A culture of trust between the founders, investors, and employees is crucial for startups. One way to achieve this is through complete transparency and openness about the company’s vision and operations, both internally and externally. Lack of transparency comes in different forms, such as non-disclosure of information, non-publication of financial data, or lack of participation in decision-making processes.

So, establishing transparency is an essential foundation of a sustainable startup, especially when it’s prioritized from the early stages. This ethos paves the way for a more collaborative work environment and a more engaged and committed investor base.

This journey can be challenging, but the reward is worth it as it significantly differentiates your startup in a competitive ecosystem.

Building Transparency from Within

The first step is to create and execute systems that ensure openness. There are a few steps to achieve this:

Addressing Issues Early: Startups are breeding grounds for disagreements and contrary styles, but addressing these issues head-on, with honesty, allows you to find solutions collaboratively and prevent minor disagreements from growing into major roadblocks.

Creating a Safe Space: A workspace where true and open communication is encouraged allows for vulnerability. This can include sharing the company’s struggles, allowing for communal support.  

Have Hard Conversations: Dedicate time for honest discussions, use phrases like “I feel” or “I’m worried” to communicate your perspective, practice active listening without interrupting, and focus on finding solutions and moving forward collaboratively

State and Restate your Values: Make your company’s values visible. Develop them with the entire team, write them down, and display them publicly. Listing and articulating your cultural priorities and how you want to see them implemented helps establish mutual clarity and trust.

Extending Transparency Beyond the Company

The next step is to establish transparency with the external collaborators of your company: customers and investors.  There are a few steps that’ll lead to this:

Early Disclosure: An early disclosure of your company’s strategies, challenges, and overall health builds trust. For instance, making your salary data or any other allowed financials public sets a novel standard in corporate transparency.

Investor Relations: Maintaining an open dialogue with investors is important. Transparent reporting of progress and setbacks, including sharing detailed financial metrics like revenue streams, cash flow projections, and expense breakdowns, lowers investor skepticism. Women-owned businesses often face higher scrutiny, so this openness proves viability.

Customer Engagement: Honesty and transparency are also important in how companies interact with their customers. Some popular strategies include disclosing the cost breakdown of each product and educating consumers on the intricacies of your product.

Use Personal Stories: Women founders can use financial storytelling, which can be pairing numbers with narratives on customer acquisition and product value to demystify risks. This turns pitches into trust-building tools.

The Benefits of Transparency

Builds Trust – Transparency helps to build trust with customers, investors, and employees. A company that regularly updates its investors and customers about its progress, including on the negatives, cultivates reliability. This can lead to more patient and supportive stakeholders. When people know what to expect and are kept informed, they’re loyal.

Facilitating Better Decision-Making – Transparency encourages collaboration and shares responsibility among team members. When everyone has access to the same information, they can make informed decisions that align with the company’s goals.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety – Hiding information or avoiding transparency can create a sense of unease and uncertainty. Transparency helps to reduce stress and anxiety by setting clear expectations and providing a clear direction.

Drives Sustainable Growth – By maintaining financial correctness and transparency, founders secure better loan terms and scale without. This can also enhance credibility for grants aimed at women entrepreneurs.

Encouraging Employee Engagement: When employees are privy to the company’s vision, challenges, and successes, they are more likely to feel a sense of ownership. 

Attracting and Retaining Talent: A transparent culture can also be a magnet for sustainable talent. Prospective employees are often attracted to companies that are upfront about their operations and prospects. 

Why This Matters for Women Founders

Transparency, then, becomes more than a business strategy. It becomes a tool for equity. When women are open about finances, salaries, funding, and growth, you challenge outdated norms that have historically excluded us from wealth-building conversations. You set new standards, not just for our companies, but for the ecosystems you operate in.

So, transparency is power. It allows women founders to take up space unapologetically, to negotiate from a place of knowledge, and to build businesses that are not only impactful but also financially strong and sustainable.

This article Why Transparency Is The New Gold Standard For Female-Led Startups was originally published on HerAgenda.com

You can build benefits that your team can get excited about, even on a tight budget. All you need to do is spend where it counts and get creative where it doesn’t. Discover how to offer top-tier benefits while sticking to your spending plan. 

Why Benefits Feel Hard In Nonprofits 

You’re hiring for roles that ask for heart and hustle, but are competing with employers who can toss around perks like confetti. It can feel unfair and a little personal. 

One report shows that 96% of Americans think it’s important that a job offers health insurance benefits. It also shows wide variation in perks like flexible schedules and professional development. Those “extras” tend to matter a lot for retention, especially for millennial women who are balancing work, growth, and real-life logistics. 

Since roughly 64% of employees have renegotiated for a better package, ask what they wish existed. 

Build three tiers. Tier one is a must-have, tier two is a nice-to-have, and tier three is “cute but no.” Commit to adding one tier-one upgrade per quarter. If you have the budget and capacity, try incorporating a tier-two upgrade every other quarter. You can forget tier three exists entirely, or you can put it on the back burner until there is a budget for it in the future. 

Budget-Friendly Benefits 

These perks read as high-value, but they can remain low-cost. They also help you recruit employees who want growth and work-life balance in their jobs. 

1. Flexibility 

Flexible setups can feel like a perk, but it’s also an operating system. It works best when you set expectations. Hybrid and remote setups can support satisfaction and retention. However, you also need to think through communication and the social side of work. 

2. Professional Development 

Career growth is a retention benefit. SHRM’s 2024 employee benefits survey found that 65% of workers feel professional development opportunities are extremely important.

Give your team a “learning lane.” Offer one paid hour of training per week, or cover one course per year with a modest cap. Create a rotating lunch-and-learn where staff teach each other what works for them, spreading knowledge. 

3. Wellness Perks 

Wellness programs are a beneficial perk, but you don’t need a branded meditation app or candle. You need actual support that your employees can lean on during rough times. 

Start with two moves. Offer a basic employee assistance program through your broker. Add “mental health day” language to PTO so people feel comfortable using it. 

4. Recognition And Time Off 

Recognition does not have to be expensive. Allow comp time after major events, publish a clear policy so nobody has to beg, and add one floating mission day each year where people volunteer or rest. The nonprofit benefits report shows that time off and scheduling benefits vary. 

Case Studies Of Nonprofit Organizations’ Employee Benefit Solutions In Action

A California nonprofit was facing a 10% health insurance renewal increase. The Difference Card helped it save $1.2 million and reduced its renewal by -12.5%. 

Another nonprofit removed barriers to preventive care by using existing resources for on-site services. The case study reports that 146 employees participated, and the organization addressed a 29.6% drop in benefits planning. 

Nonprofit Megaphone used an ICHRA model so employees could choose individual coverage that fit their lives. It reports 100% employee satisfaction and an administrative lift of about 30 minutes per month. 

The Perfect Plan

You don’t need a luxury benefits budget. Instead, you need a smart one. Pick perks your team will use, make flexibility noticeable, and fund growth in small, steady ways. Then, focus on health insurance coverage to attract and retain a high-quality, motivated team.

This article How Nonprofits Can Offer Top-Tier Benefits On A Budget was originally published on HerAgenda.com

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

If you’re anything like me, you can appreciate a beautiful flower arrangement, but if you had to do it, you would have no clue where to begin.

I often think arranging flowers needs an abundance of pieces with the goal of filling the vase, but after a meeting with Erica Dias, founder of Helen Florals, I’ve learned more about how the opposite can be true.

At the core of Helen Florals is Japanese Ikebana, a centuries-old floral art form that emphasizes balance, minimalism, and negative space. While Western arrangements prioritize fullness, Ikebana values restraint and thoughtful placement.

For Erica, that philosophy mirrors her relationship with entrepreneurship.

“What you leave out is just as important as what you include – in business and in life,” she explained.

Known for her national public relations work, Helen Florals, named after her grandmother, began as a passion project and hobby. But her hobby became more when she decided to pivot. Rather than waiting for burnout, she recognized that growth sometimes requires refinement.

Like many who decide to pivot, the fear of starting over and losing credibility crossed her mind, and yet she moved forward, bringing her experience developing partnerships and crafting brand narratives into this new space.

What’s different about this? With Helen Florals, Erica is at the forefront.

“You don’t discard your expertise,” she says. “You repurpose it.”

She has transitioned from shaping narratives for others to building her own, one centered on legacy and mindful design. Her way of putting her work into the world is built around the things she knows so well, relationships and experiential marketing.

Her workshops, hosted in Houston and Atlanta, have partnered with brands such as Crate & Barrel to elevate retail spaces into environments where guests are invited to slow down and create intentionally.

Attendees are invited to think of alignment and reconnect. In an era where hustle culture dominates, Erica invites every attendee, mostly women navigating their own career roadmaps, to consider what story they want to tell about themselves, a unique and emotional experience at a floral workshop.

Erica knows that story all too well. “I realized I wasn’t called to abandon storytelling; I was called to tell it differently.”

Join the next Helen Florals workshop, April 19, 2026, 1 PM – 3 PM, Crate & Barrel Houston, and follow them on social to find out where and when the next workshop takes place.

This article Arranged With Intention: The Floral Workshop Experience Built By Erica Dias 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

Young dreamers, creators & innovators from across the country all traveled to Phoenix, Arizona for the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit. The Summit recognizes the country’s brightest founders and entrepreneurs who are going beyond the limits and creating change in their communities. 

They have the numbers to prove their impact — that’s $3.8B+ total funding raised by the Under 30 Listers and the social following to match. This year’s list is a standout from the previous year’s. With AI playing a significant part in how Generation Z gathers data, creates insights, and builds systems, the possibilities of what can be created have truly become infinite. 

“Focus on becoming. As you focus on becoming who God has created you to be, and the purpose that’s already evident in the fact that you were born on this earth. I want to make sure people aren’t chasing a list, but they’re chasing a purpose. And as you chase your purpose, things will come to you,” Nyamekye Wilson said, a 2026 Forbes Under Lister and Founder of Black Sisters in STEM, the largest talent ecosystem of Black women in STEM (SIS).

Celebrities like Dwayne Wade, Ashley Graham, Michael Phelps, and the founders of iconic brands like Lindsey Carter of SET Active and Shawn Fanning of Napster graced the main stage to share gems about what it takes to build a viral brand and a community.

“Get into the mindset of the consumer. We all want to feel and be a part of something. We want to connect to the person, not only the product. Treat the consumer like your friend,” was shared during the Viral Marketing 101: How Social Media Can Ignite A Consumer Brand panel featuring Lindsey Carter and Jake Karls. 

“If you want to create a big business, you have to have a strong foundation. For me, that’s VCP, which means vision, capital, and people,” explained serial entrepreneur Marc Lore. 

“If you’re not doing anything new or crazy, PUSH HARDER. Make your scope more ambitious. Don’t be scared when people say your idea is crazy or dangerous,” was advised during the Radical Creation: How to Build Companies That Shake Society, featuring panelists Shawn Fanning and Andrew Frame.

Curious about how to become an Under 30 Lister? Beyond the basics like having to be 29 1/2 years old, the Forbes team that develops this iconic list every year shared insider tips on how YOU can make next year’s list: 

Numbers: Quantify your impact. 

Stories: Know how to tell your story concisely. 

Growth: Show the reach, scale, and potential for growth. 

Founders: Both entrepreneurial founders and full-time (9-5) founders can make the list, too. 

Transparency: Be transparent about your business.

Being in the room reminded me that age is a non-factor. During our 20s, we’re all in a transition with a desire to get somewhere. Our minds are the brightest and filled with ideas the world has yet to see. The difference is — some of us put the strategy in place to get it done, and others don’t. Be strategic, not stagnant.  

It doesn’t matter how radical, unusual, or out-of-the-box your idea may seem. If you’re passionate about what you can do and stay committed to it, then it can happen. 

The beauty about this is you don’t have to do it alone, either. In fact, most founders who are billionaires didn’t. They had a community, team, and investors all backing up the one vision they decided to pursue. Today, those visions are the very tools, apps, and systems we use. It’s what I like to call “ordinary people with extraordinary ideas”. 

Don’t let someone else create the tools our generation needs. We are leading the charge.

This article Where Tomorrow’s Leaders Met Today: Inside The Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit was originally published on HerAgenda.com

If you feel the stretch in your wallet due to the current economy, you are not alone. Inflation surges and economic instability have spiked the costs of consumer goods, gas prices, and airfare, among other categories, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in April 2026, as reported by CNBC. The financial strain is being felt across all classes in some way, but women are bearing the economic burden even more simply based on their gender due to historical bias in pricing for women.

This bias is known as the pink tax, the upcharge women pay for the same or similar products as men, solely due to their gender. From gender-specific products like tampons and sanitary pads to items like razors and clothing, the pink tax is reflected in the inequitable pricing women pay for everyday goods.

Although most consumer goods are marketed to both men and women, women have been statistically paying more for the same products and services than their male counterparts, various studies suggest. This discrimination based on gender has a lasting financial impact, a disadvantage that disproportionately costs women more than just sticker shock.

The True Costs Of The Pink Tax

Referred to commonly as the pink tax, inequitable pricing based on gender spans across several industries, research has shown. The markup women pay on goods and services is prevalent, ranging from everyday items like personal hygiene products to children’s toys marketed for girls. Findings from a study conducted in 2015, From Cradle to Cane: The Cost of Being a Female Consumer, ” reveal that women’s products, on average, cost 7% more than similar products for men. Across all of the consumer categories analyzed in this study, 30 out of 35 consumer products for women were priced higher than those for men. Products like women’s clothing, personal care products, and senior home health care products were found to be higher in price for women than for men.

The financial impact on women can span over the course of their lives and cost them thousands. Due to products marketed specifically for women, like sanitary products with less competition and availability, the burden of higher costs seems inevitable for women. This, however, runs in line with the unfair pricing practices of consumer goods based on gender, a practice that bleeds into pricing for products that are genderless.

These disparities also adversely affect women financially, who statistically continue to earn less than men overall, stretching women’s wallets further. According to research and advocacy group AAUW, as reported by Forbes, women working full-time on average earn 81 cents for every dollar men earn. The gender pay gap, compounded with the pink tax, puts a measurable strain on women’s finances, paying more for everyday needs based on their gender while earning less to afford them.

Black Women And The Double Tax

The theory of the pink tax affirms how much gender-based pricing costs women across all classes, but for Black women, the cost is even higher. Black women pay even higher margins for products due to race and societal factors, like accessibility, affordability, and quality.

Coining the term “double tax” in her 2025 book, “The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Unpaid”, author, speaker, and Harvard Researcher Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman unpacks the compounding expense sexism and racism have on Black women specifically. Regular consumer goods are statistically even more expensive for Black women, as racial bias adds to the tax they pay. Due to economic and societal factors, like proximity to quality goods and services in dense urban neighborhoods, Black women tend not only to pay more out of pocket for the products they need, but they are also at a disadvantage in accessing quality products.

Black women today are also facing the highest unemployment rates out of all cohorts in the U.S., straining their financial resources even more. In 2025, Black women saw the largest employment losses by race and ethnicity in the U.S. at a 6.7% unemployment rate. The many compounding factors Black women face leave them at a major disadvantage financially to be able to afford and pay for the products they need.

Avoid The Pink Tax On Your Wallet

Gender-based pricing disparities have become more apparent in the consumer goods industry, and policymakers have started to take notice. In places like New York and California, legislation has been passed to make gender-based pricing illegal. AB 1287, California’s Pink Tax Law, prohibits charging different prices for similar products based on gender. At the federal level as well, further measures have been introduced to combat discrimination in pricing.

Although there’s no straightforward solution to combat this systemic bias, here are a few tips to help protect your wallet and get your money’s worth:

• Compare the price of products that are marketed for women to its gender neutral or male variety
• Try substituting and buying items that are gender neutral, like shaving razors and children’s toys
• Negotiate service costs and ask for quotes to get the most equitable price
• Shop and support minority-owned small businesses that sell quality products

Continuing to make light of the pink tax will help make the pricing of consumer goods equitable for all, especially for women, who substantially drive the economy, supporting themselves, their families, and their communities at large.

This article Understanding The Real Impact Of The Pink Tax On Black Female Consumers 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

Networking is the key to unlocking success, yet many professionals lack the tools to build and maintain relationships. 

Shelly Lombard was one of those people during her time as a finance expert for more than 30 years on Wall Street. 

In 2022, she turned her area of weakness into a business that women professionals flock to for building networking skills. Schmooze started as a newsletter and expanded into a membership program that offers mini-masterclasses led by experts who talk about networking in June 2024.

“I was not an expert on networking, but I became a resource on networking,” Shelly told Her Agenda.  “I launched Schmooze because I want to change women’s approach to networking – to make it a lifestyle – and to give them the tools & techniques to do that.”

For Shelly, professional relationships led to new opportunities that she was not seeking. For women searching for a job, professional relationships can be the difference between landing your next role or not. 

In our conversation, Shelly Lombard gives us a peek inside moments in her career when she missed opportunities as a result of not networking, ones she’s gained because of it, and why it matters for the next generation of women professionals. 

Her Agenda: What early experiences in finance most shaped the way you think about professional relationships today?

Shelly Lombard:  When I got to Wall Street, there were only a handful of women investing in distressed companies. We would go to dinner, like, every other month and talk about what we were investing in. But in terms of men in the industry, or women outside of that group, I was too naive to realize I should have [networked]. I was too shy, I was too introverted [and] didn’t know how to do it. And so I think my career on Wall Street, while it was fine, I think it would have been even better had I been more intentional and strategic about networking.

Then, after I left Wall Street, I started serving on corporate boards, and I learned that 80% of corporate board roles [were] found through relationships. So I realized that [networking] was something that women really needed to do. I hadn’t done it, but I felt like I wanted to start something to encourage and coach other women to do it, because I think it makes so much of a difference in your career.

Her Agenda: What was happening in your life that made you decide to launch Schmooze and focus on networking?

Shelly Lombard: I started Shmooze not because I was an expert or even good at networking. I started Shmooze because I wasn’t.

I was never very intentional [or] strategic about networking. My parents were teachers. They [told me] go to college, get a great job, work really hard, and that was the extent of it. Nobody told me anything about networking internally, managing your boss or internal relationships, and they definitely didn’t tell me anything about external relationships.

My goal with Schmooze was not so much to create a community as it was to change the way people network. I bring in experts, or people who’ve been through it, who do fireside chats and panels to talk about those issues.

I’ve interviewed, at this point, probably 100 women about the role that networking has played in their career, [and] I’ve been able to put together what I call a playbook for networking. It was something I wish somebody had told me.

Her Agenda: How have you navigated the boys’ clubs of your career, or what advice do you give women to do that?

Shelly Lombard: Two pieces of advice. One, showing up when they’re having a bunch of drinks, you’re definitely gonna feel like an outsider. It’s a lot easier to do it one-on-one. The pressure of being the only woman in this environment, you don’t feel that when it’s one-on-one.

Two, the other thing that I didn’t realize is that curiosity is a relationship hack. There was a guy who gave me really great advice. He was the one who told me to get into distressed investing. I should have stayed in touch with him. Not because I thought he was gonna give me a job one day, but just because if he was insightful enough to give me that piece of advice, he probably could have given me more. And I didn’t. I was too shy, too introverted. And I didn’t have to be charming when I met him, I didn’t have to be knowledgeable, I just had to be curious about what he was doing, where he thought the market was going, etc, and he would have talked up a blue streak. 

Another example of that was when the bank I was working with merged with another bank, there was a meeting for everybody, vice presidents and above. And I think I was the only Black woman in the room and as a result, the top guy – who was my boss’s boss’s boss’s boss – knew my face, and he knew me.

When he would see me on the elevator, he’d [say] ‘Hi.’ He would walk around the trading floor at night to see who was still working. I might still be there, and he’d [say] ‘Hi, Shelly’ and go back to work.

I never knew how to interact with him, or turn that into a relationship.  He loved what he did, and if I had shown any curiosity about what the bank was doing, about what they were up to, about deals, etc, that would have helped forge a relationship with him. 

Her Agenda: How did you get on your first corporate board?

Shelly Lombard: My first board role came through a relationship, [but] I was not networking to get on a board. Somebody that I knew [for] 35 years, an investor, had a large equity stake in a company, and he said, ‘Would you be interested in being on this board?’ Even though I wasn’t networking, it was a relationship.

To women now, who may want to be on a board in 5 years, or 10 years, or even women who are looking for a board role now, go back to those old relationships. Don’t let those relationships die out.

If you’re looking for a board role now, it’s [about] going back to some of those people you knew years ago and rekindling those relationships.

Her Agenda: Why is it relevant for women and people of color to be on a board?

Shelly Lombard: It [is] important for women to be on boards [because] It gives you a 50,000-foot view of a company. So you really understand not just your little part that you’re doing, but the enterprise.

The other thing is it gives you a chance to influence policy like maternity leave [and] DEI. If we’re in positions of influence to be able to influence stuff and maybe control [which outside companies your firm works with], then that’s very helpful to the women coming up behind us.

Her Agenda: What is your advice to women navigating this difficult job market?

Shelly Lombard: Schmoozing a network is not a quick fix for job hunting. You have to do it, but what I want to see [people] doing now, before you get forced out, before you get laid off.

It’s not a quick fix, but you will find a job faster than if you’re just sending resumes into the vacuum. Nobody can dismantle your personal network. 

To the women who still have jobs and who are looking over their shoulders. Now is the time to network. Do not wait until the shoe drops; you have to be networking now. 

To the people who are not working, [networking] is not a quick fix, but you have to do it.

You can’t just sit at home and send resumes out. That does not work anymore.

Her Agenda: How did your networking and your growth in networking contribute to you starting your business or growing your business?

Shelly Lombard: It has been everything. I have been very strategic about trying to reach out to people.

I try to be strategic, but save room for serendipity. Sometimes you don’t know who somebody knows. If it’s not the right room for me [or] doesn’t align with what I’m doing right now, but the networking event is two blocks from where I am, I’ll go anyway, because [there’s] no telling who I’m gonna meet.

Her Agenda: What are some lessons you’ve learned as a business owner?

Shelly Lombard: Relationships change everything, and they’ve made it possible for me to have a business. People tell people about Schmooze, and because I’m visible, they invite me to speak on panels and speak on podcasts. 

Being strategic, but leaving room for serendipity, inviting serendipity [and] being systematic and following up, and being seen is the reason I’ve been able to grow my following on LinkedIn, and the reason that Schmooze [and] I actually make money.

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

This article A Peek Inside Her Agenda: Shelly Lombard was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Many of us turn to social media for how-tos, and that includes money advice. Research has found that 61% of young adults trust social apps for investing tips. Another found that social media is a sweet spot for those of us in younger generations, with 76 percent of Gen Z and 65 percent of millennials looking to the platforms for financial guidance.

Scrolling through TikTok for money tips can feel like getting free financial coaching in bite-sized videos, but it’s still the Wild Wild West of information. One minute you’re learning about investing, the next you’re told how to “get rich quick” with a side hustle or crypto trick. 

While entertaining and sometimes genuinely helpful, it’s super-risky relying on social media for money tips. Not all “finfluencers” are qualified, and some are outright misleading. A recent report found that 71 percent of the financial advice consumed by Gen Z and Millennials is misleading, and only 13 percent of influencers had the relevant qualifications and credentials to advise on financial matters. 

Since it’s Financial Literacy Month, let’s get into how you can tell the difference between solid money advice and a scam:

1. Don’t get distracted by the confidence and graphics. Check the credentials.

A polished video doesn’t equal expertise. Look for certifications like Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), or chartered financial consultant (ChFC). You can use sites like BrokerCheck or the CFP Board to research. Find their bios and work experience via LinkedIn or other professional websites. Check reviews and other indicators of positive real-life impact. If someone doesn’t mention qualifications, or there’s hardly anything online that could reflect credibility, those are red flags. 

2. Lead with skepticism. If it seems too good to be true, it more than likely is.

Real investing involves risks, but if someone skips over the downsides, they’re selling a fantasy, not advice. Look out for claims like “guaranteed profits” or “turn $100 into $10,000 fast.” Phrases like these are classic warning signs of potential scams.

3. Check for transparency and disclosures.

Legitimate creators are upfront about content that is sponsored or that promotes a product. If someone is pushing a stock, app, or course without saying how they benefit, be cautious. Hidden incentives can distort advice that can affect your life for better or worse. Skipping disclosure or important context for content can raise an eyebrow when it comes to trust and ethics. Keep in mind that in many states or cases, disclosure is legally required.

4. Pay attention to the intent: Is it education or entertainment?

Good advice often sounds boring, especially when it comes to budgeting, saving, and long-term investing. Bad or scammy advice is flashy, emotional, and urgent. If the goal seems to be views, clicks, or selling a lifestyle–and the content seems a bit sensational— you’re probably watching entertainment, not education.

5. Compare information against other trusted sources.

While a social media post might be informative or even lead you in the right direction on finding resources to make a sound financial decision, always fact-check information with at least two other sources. This is especially true when it comes to topics like taxes, real estate investing, and stocks. Be sure the information is up-to-date or even relevant to you based on your location, lifestyle, and other factors. 

Social media isn’t, in itself, inherently bad for financial literacy or advice; however, it shouldn’t be your only source. Treat social media as a starting point, not a final authority. Look to experts at your local financial institutions, trained and experienced money management professionals, and trusted financial literacy organizations. Your money decisions deserve more than a 60-second video. Financial management deserves careful thought, research, and, when needed, professional guidance.

This article From TikTok Gurus To Instagram Scams: How To Tell The Good Money Advice From The Bad was originally published on HerAgenda.com

If you have ever felt a creeping wave of dread settle in somewhere around Sunday afternoon, you are not imagining it. According to a survey cited in a Marie Claire piece, 7 out of 10 people feel overwhelmed with dread at the thought of the week ahead on Sundays. 

The Sunday reset became a popular response to that feeling. You have probably seen the TikTok version: color-coded planners, aesthetic meal prep containers, a spotless apartment, and someone who somehow has time to deep-clean their refrigerator before 10 a.m. That version is not what this is about.

The real Sunday reset is quieter and more personal than that. It is the practice of creating a small buffer between the week that just ended and the one about to begin. 

Why Your Brain Needs A Weekly Reset

Most of us move from Sunday directly into Monday without any real pause. We finish the weekend, maybe stay up later than we should, and wake up already behind. Over time, that pattern accumulates into something heavier than tiredness.

“If you’re going to add new things to your schedule, you may need to subtract others. This might come in the form of setting boundaries and saying no to things that aren’t priorities or don’t support your well-being,” according to author and Doctor of Social Work, Sharon Martin. “It can also mean spending less time on mindless activities that don’t solve a problem or leave you feeling replenished.”

Which is why distinction matters. A reset done out of guilt or pressure to optimize your week will feel like more work. One done as an act of care for yourself will feel different. The goal is not to arrive at Monday exhausted from preparing for it. 

Tips To Do A Sunday Reset

Before you plan next week, take a few minutes to close out the last one. What felt unfinished? What drained you more than expected? What do you want to do differently? That kind of reflection is not journaling for the sake of it. It is information that shapes how you move into the next seven days.

From there, a few practical habits tend to actually make a difference, not because they are revolutionary, but because they remove small friction points that compound throughout the week.

Tidying your space is one of them. As noted by writer Cait Emma Burke in a Bed Threads think piece, “research shows that our brains prefer order and that clutter and mess can have an adverse impact on our cognitive resources.”

Reviewing your week ahead for ten minutes, not to build an overwhelming task list but to avoid being blindsided, is another. Most Sunday anxiety comes from vague dread about everything at once. Naming what is actually on your calendar tends to shrink it back to a manageable size.

The Sunday Reset Habit That Most People Skip

The most underrated element of a Sunday reset is what you choose not to do. Protecting Sunday evening from work emails, stressful conversations, and late-night scrolling is not laziness. It is the reset itself.

If you spent the weekend traveling, dealing with something hard, or simply resting without any intention behind it, that is not a failed reset. That is life. The practice is about returning to yourself when you can, in whatever form that takes.

Not every Sunday will look the same, and it should not. Some weeks, the reset is a long walk and an early bedtime. Others, it is a cleaned kitchen, a reviewed calendar, and thirty minutes of something you actually enjoy. The version that works is the one you can realistically repeat.

What matters is the intention behind it. The Sunday reset works best when it stops being a checklist and starts being a commitment to yourself. Before Monday asks you to show up for everything else, Sunday is your chance to show up for you first.

This article The Sunday Reset: How To Protect Your Peace Before The Monday Hustle 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

Oftentimes, ambitious women can face pressure to provide financially for their families. Unfortunately, saying no to a loved one never feels good, especially when it comes to money. Be it at times necessary, rejecting requests for financial support can be awkward and cause friction for both parties. The weight of supplementing the income of several households can cause a toll on your mental health and place strain on familial relationships.

An article in CNBC, a media outlet, shared that 60% of Americans have helped a friend or family member by lending them money, expecting to get paid back. Of those respondents, 37% reported losing money, and 21% said that the personal relationship worsened.  

Unfortunately, financial literacy paints a vivid picture of what happens when you let family dictate how and when your money is spent. Ted Rossman, industry analyst at Bankrate, stated, “I’d avoid lending cash and credit cards and co-signing. All too often, these situations end poorly.”

At times, the desire to help loved ones does not outweigh the importance of having discipline. It is important to save, grow, and protect your wealth. Securing a healthy financial future for yourself can mean saying no to family and friends. As a consequence, the mental toll can be difficult to navigate. Fortunately enough, there are a few tips and tricks that can help maintain balance and order surrounding this subject.

Buckle Your Seat Belt First

If you have ever ridden a plane, you should recall the flight attendant reinforcing the importance of buckling your seat belt and securing your breathing mask first. Ensuring your safety prior to rendering aid to others. This applies to your financial health as well. A U.S. News study found that more than two in five Americans surveyed (43%) couldn’t pay for a $1,000 emergency expense with their savings. One-third say they don’t have enough savings to cover even one month of living expenses.

Offer Time and Advice

Mentorship and a listening ear are often more valuable than throwing money at a situation. Certified financial planner, Kathy Longo, shares that “Money is about so much more than dollars and cents – it’s about your life. Isn’t it time to start talking about it with the people who make your life meaningful? Our friends have so much to offer us, and we can make a difference in their pursuit of financial goals, too. All it takes is the courage to get the conversation started.”

Never Lend What You Can’t Afford To Get Back

An old wives’ tale that floats around my community is never lend what you can’t afford to lose. This tip applies to a cup of sugar, a pair of pants, and most importantly, money. Rossman, from the previously mentioned interview, stated, “If you really want to do it, only offer as much assistance as you can afford to lose. In your mind, assume it’s a gift and that you won’t get paid back. Let that sink in ahead of time so that a negative experience doesn’t harm your relationship along with your account balance.”

Family Piggy Bank

A fan favorite tip for helping to manage the financial stress and mental toll of wanting to help family financially while adhering to a budget is to set aside money for the “expense”. Allocating a small percentage of monthly earnings to a family piggy bank can be helpful. Personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox told JPMorgan Chase and Essence in an interview, “For me, a budget is not about restricting myself. It’s about choosing how I allocate my resources and how I spend my money.” Budgeting for all aspects of life can relieve decision fatigue and should not be looked at as a negative.

Reap The Fruits Of Your Labor

Overall, balance is key. Safeguarding your lifestyle and enjoying the fruits of your labor should not come with loads of guilt. It is possible to set boundaries, plan, save, and help your loved ones without bearing the burden and spiraling from the mental weight of being stretched too thin.

This article Why Saying No To Family Is Sometimes A Yes To Wealth was originally published on HerAgenda.com

The expectation of constant, high levels of productivity has many names; a few familiar terms include being successful or being a “girl boss”. The modern-day expectations of high productivity also hide in disguise with names such as grinding, hustling, or even chasing the bag. No matter the title, the premise is still the same: work, stay busy, move, produce, and never rest.

Once you realize that rest is positioned as a luxury, a privilege, and not a right, it becomes clear that going against a social norm, hustle culture, and prioritizing rest can be considered an act of rebellion. Therefore, once one begins to challenge systematic, political, and socioeconomic pressures by simply resting, the act becomes revolutionary. This is radical rest, the act of prioritizing your health, your sanity, and your peace. Rest is the resistance.

All major movements have a leader. Tricia Hersey has been given credit for coining the term “radical rest” and starting the movement as early as 2016. The Radical Rest movement has started gaining traction and becoming a widely discussed topic in the health and wellness space. Activists such as Tricia Hersey are shouting the importance of intentional rest from the rooftops. The question is, who is listening?

Mind And Body

Like productivity, rest has a few names: work-life balance, vacation, R&R (rest and relaxation), sleep, bed rest, and even the classic, “Netflix binge.” Chloe Johnson, a member and advocate of the disabled community, shares in Cosmopolitan, a news outlet, her struggles with prioritizing rest and feeling guilt and shame from able-bodied friends and family.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine emphasize the importance of an adequate night’s sleep, which is defined as 7 or more hours per night. Anything less than this amount may lead to the development of various chronic diseases.

Non-Performative Self-Care

Leah Marone, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker, shares some of the dangers of performative self-care. She shares that performative self-care allows us to signal that we’re okay to ourselves and to others without requiring us to do the harder internal work of actually becoming okay. Performative self-care becomes another arena where we measure ourselves and another place we can quietly fall short.

Radical rest is less about being performative; taking gym selfies, buying new workout equipment. It is more about actually doing the hard part, which is nothing.

Join The Resistance

Becki Marie, founder of the Big Love Movement, has created a community centered around advocating for rest to cope and heal from anxiety, burnout, and autoimmune diseases such as IBS, irritable bowel syndrome. In a blog post, Becki shares a few tips on how to rest:

1. Make time for body-mindful yoga to help release tension from your body and clear your mind. (Physical rest)

2. Read a book by someone who inspires you (Mental rest)

3. Enjoy some secluded self-care and create a sanctuary of scents and soothing sounds (Emotional rest)

4. Step away from the TV and your phone 30-60 minutes before bed to reduce sensory stimulation (Sensory rest)

5. Say no to things that deplete you when your body is feeling worn out. It can be hard, and FOMO is real, but your body will thank you. (Social rest)

6. Book a workshop to explore a new activity like candle-making, pottery, or life drawing (Creative rest)

7. 5-10 minutes of conscious and mindful breathing is enough to feel like you’ve hit the reset button. (Spiritual rest)

Becki’s tips not only highlight how to rest, but they also highlight that there are several different types of rest. Physical rest looks a lot different than emotional rest or spiritual rest. Listening to your body can help you decide which rest you should prioritize.

When Less Is More

I leave with you an old cliche, “when you know better, you do better”. Now that you know the benefits of radical rest, you have explored some of the ways to incorporate radical rest into your routine. The biggest question is, are you convinced? In an effort to avoid burnout, will you join the ‘less output is more productive’ committee? Or is it team ‘hustle’ and ‘I will sleep when I am dead’, until the end? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts.

This article Why Radical Rest Is The Most Productive Thing You Can Do 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

OWN’s Belle Collective reality TV franchise has made its way to a new city, Birmingham, Alabama. As a native myself, the city is known for its deep and historic roots and talent, but as the city grows and transforms, Birmingham is becoming more of a gem in the South. 

With that, the cast of Belle Collective Birmingham is taking the opportunity to show exactly what Birmingham has to offer, and I was able to speak with one of the leading cast members, Amber Jones.

Amber is a financial strategist and credit coach for her business, Life Key Financial; she’s also CFO of Canvas Beauty, a beauty brand led by Stormi Steele, an OWN Love and Marriage Huntsville alum.

Amber met Birmingham as a Division I athlete at the University of Alabama at Birmingham before leaving to pursue professional basketball on international teams. After a life-altering injury, she became a true Birmingham transplant, planting her roots in the city. But that’s only a part of her story, and in this season of Belle Collective, you’ll learn more about who she is and what she’s on a mission to accomplish.

On the heels of the first episode premiere and several pre-premiere interviews,  I sat down with Amber to discuss some of the questions I hadn’t heard about the show.  

When I got on a call with Amber, the first thing she told me was that she’s been deliberately avoiding the blogs. Not out of fear exactly, but more so self-preservation. She knew going in that perception would be completely out of her control, but she’s decided to embrace it.

“I don’t want anything to shift my mood. I haven’t gotten to that space where I’ve never received public negative backlash or anything. So if that does happen, that will be a first for me. I accepted the fact, hey, if I’m going to be on reality TV, I have to show my real life, and just however people perceive it, that’s just how people perceive it.”

For viewers who aren’t from the South, some of the early episode tension between castmate K’la might read as small. I have to laugh at the thought because I think if you have to ask, you probably didn’t grow up here. Why does that matter if someone doesn’t speak when you walk into a room? 

 “Down South, we speak. And if you’re walking directly and you’re looking at me, or if you walk in a room with people I know, I just expect just to say hello. That’s just common courtesy. And if you don’t, I’m like, what’s the issue?”

One teaser-like gem in the first episode shows Amber’s relationship with her niece, Kylin. She said she and Kylin made a deal when she moved in that she would treat her grown woman, so I asked her about sharing a home and a bit of the spotlight with her niece. Kylin is, in Amber’s words, “a little young crash out that we all were at one point.” Beyond the “coat stealing” and the keeping-her-on-her-toes moments is a financial takeaway that I think many can practice.

“The biggest life hack is not having bills and being able to get ahead. If a parent curates a space where the child feels comfortable coming back for two or three years out of college, do you know how far ahead they can get by not having any bills?”

As CFO, Amber’s job at the beauty brand is basically to be the person who says no when necessary. Stormi, she told me, is a creative and a marketing mind, and if Stormi had it her way, everything would be marketed. Amber’s job is to hold the line, budgeting, forecasting, overseeing payroll, managing benefits, and asking what the company can actually afford. It’s the kind of role that makes a business sustainable instead of just exciting.

“A company has different departments where everything has to be balanced. It’s not only the credit, the base credit, all of that, but it’s making sure that we’re set up to succeed going forward.”

Anyone who’s watched a promising small business grow fast and then collapse even faster knows exactly why that role matters.

Here’s a detail I genuinely loved: Amber did not have TVs in her house for the first two years she lived there because she just didn’t watch TV. Between growing up where she played five sports in high school and being deep into personal development after college, she never picked up the habit. Even when Stormi appeared on Love and Marriage Huntsville, she said she may have watched one episode, but things are different now. She has a TV in her bedroom now, and she’s been catching up on Real Housewives of Potomac. I asked about how she felt about reality TV being on the opposite side of things

“A lot of people have this one moment that could have happened seasons ago that people just never forget. People’s entire future is defined by one moment.”

If you’re visiting Birmingham and want to experience it the way Amber does, then add Battle Republic Boxing Gym, the restaurant Johin’na, and a Barons baseball game.

As a native and resident, there’s something about a Barons game on a summer night in Birmingham that she is absolutely right about.

Belle Collective airs Fridays at 9:00 PM ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

Follow along at @OWNTV and @coachamberjones, and join the conversation with #BelleCollective.

This article Amber Jones Didn’t Come To Reality TV To Play A Character was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Human rights must include disability rights, and disability rights must include racial and women’s rights.

According to the CDC, “Over one in four adults in the United States lives with a disability.” That means disability intersects with race, gender, class, sexuality, and religion.

The Disability Rights Movement is a statement to the power of community action of women whose contributions helped define what equality looks like when we fight. However, the reality is that many women activists’ pursuits were not acknowledged as narratives historically focused on men as activists. 

Here are four Invisible Women Of The Disability Rights Movement We Should All Know.

1. Judy Heumann

“Some people say that what I did changed the world. But really, I simply refused to accept what I was told about who I could be. And I was willing to make a fuss about it”…” – Judy Heumann

People with disabilities have been fighting for decades for accessibility, accommodations, and rights. Although the disability rights movement really kick-started in the 1960s and 1970s, with the motivation from the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Activists, like Judy Heumann, were influenced by the power of collective action, peaceful protest, and civil disobedience to challenge the systemic barriers that excluded individuals with disabilities.

Let’s start with the early days with the originator. Heumann, a childhood Polio survivor who helped organize the historic 1977 Section 504 sit-ins in San Francisco. After her activism and help securing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Heumann later worked in the Clinton and Obama administrations under the Department of Education and pushed for global disability rights policy.

2. Alice Wong

Founder of the Disability Visibility Project, writer, and activist Alice Wong was considered a “luminary of the disability justice movement”. Wong, who struggled with muscular dystrophy from birth, was known for telling her story and sharing others’ as her way of fighting for justice. In one of her books, she talks about the discrimination and bullying she faced growing up, which sparked her commitment to destruct ableism. Wong wanted to see a world where people with disabilities, especially people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and immigrants, could live freely and have full autonomy over their lives and decisions.

3. Imani Barbarin

Women already have to endure and carry so much, adding in the weight of not being seen in a fight for rights that they inspired adds to the pain they endure. Although some of the founders of the Disability Rights movement have passed on, there are others still carrying the torch in the modern movement, such as Imani Barbarin.

Survivor of Cerebral Palsy, Imani is known for advocating for the representation, inclusion, and empowerment of people with disabilities at the intersections of race and women’s rights both in the United States and globally. Known as crutches and_spice on social media, the communications professional, public speaker, writer, and blogger is known for creating engaging content catered to millennials that explores disability culture as well as society and business’s perceptions of people with disabilities from the perspective of a black woman with a disability. 

4. Vilissa Thompson

Although Black women are underrepresented in leadership, there are activists behind the scenes working, such as Vilissa Thompson. Known for making “Good Trouble,” the social worker and founder of Ramp Your Voice! is known for speaking up for Black women with disabilities’ experiences via the intersectionality of gender rights and disability rights through policy work and media. Ramp Your Voice! is an organization focused on promoting self-advocacy and strengthening empowerment among people with disabilities.

The fight for rights, whether Civil, Racial, Women’s, or Disabled, is never-ending, but with women and the power to unite, they will continue to make “Good Trouble”.

This article 4 Invisible Women Of The Disability Rights Movement We Should All Know 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

There is a fight against climate change, and women are leading the charge. Would you be surprised to know that every year, the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22nd? Although you may have heard of Earth Day, do we really understand what it represents? Started in 1970, Earth Day is an annual celebration that recognizes the strides of the environmental movement. Earth Day raises awareness of the pertinence of protecting Earth’s natural resources for future inhabitants of this planet.

In summary, Earth Day highlights what work can be done to protect Mother Earth from climate change. According to USGS.gov, the US Geological Survey, the terms climate change and global warming are often incorrectly used interchangeably. Global warming is just one aspect of climate change, and there are women leading the fight to put a stop to it!

More Than An “A” For Effort

Globally, women are planting seeds that will impact tomorrow. According to the IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, women play a significant role in combating the adverse effects of climate change. Annually, the IUCN acknowledges women making an impact against the war on climate change via the Gender and Climate Award. A great example, the 2025 recipient, Anusha Fatima, was awarded due to her work with Trashit. According to TrashIt’s website, TrashIt advocates and leads with an action-driven approach to collect, up-cycle, and reintroduce food waste as natural, earthy compost for sustainable, organic farming in your backyards. Trashit aspires to build zero-waste green neighborhoods.

Working with great intention, it is women like Anusha that bring together communities around the globe. Working tirelessly to educate, equip, and execute within their own communities.

Global Impact Concentrated Efforts

Women in all areas of the world are working just as hard to fight climate change. WECF, Women Engage For A Common Future, honored three women in 2024 for their work:

Anisa Abibulloeva (Little Earth), Tajikistan

Little Earth is an environmental NGO that aspires to support women living in the mountains in obtaining financial independence, build resilient communities, and drive forward a clean energy revolution in Tajikistan on a grassroots, small-scale level. 

Isabel Prestes Fonseca (Instituto Zág), Brazil 

Instituto Zág is committed to saving the critically endangered araucaria pine tree (Araucaria angustifolia), known locally as Zág, and preserving the traditional knowledge of the Laklãnõ-Xokleng people in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. The Zág tree holds both a sacred and symbolic value to the Xokleng peoples, and is on the brink of extinction as a result of unregulated human resource exploitation.   

Francesca Trotman (Love the Oceans), Mozambique

Love The Oceans is an organization working to protect endangered marine life in Jangamo Bay, Mozambique. To do this, they employ a community-based, holistic approach that incorporates research, education, and campaigns into their work. Furthermore, they also seek to build expertise and create local jobs with a sustainable entrepreneurship mindset.  

These environmentally dedicated women are awarded a cash prize and invited to the COP29, United Nations Climate Change Conference. There, the winners have an opportunity to participate in climate negotiations. This opportunity grants these women making big splashes of change in their regions to share on a global stage.

A Ripple That Turns Into A Wave

Thinking outside the box is just one way women are leading the charge for climate control. Brands such as Happy Pads, organic sanitary pads made from banana fiber, are changing the way people look at reducing waste. Kalkidan Tadesse and her sister, Wubit, founded and designed Happy Pads. Their goal is to take a healthier and more sustainable approach to women’s sanitary products.

Healing The Planet Together

We have declared war against climate change. Globally, there are several women soldiers leading the fight on the front lines. With each effort, there is another stride toward a lower carbon footprint, more sustainability, renewable energy, increased recycling, nature conservation, and eliminating waste.

This article The Global Impact Of The Women Leading The Climate Change Fight was originally published on HerAgenda.com

New York-based content creator and entrepreneur Zareefa Ahmed used her grief to honor her late mother in the best way possible. Refining her mother’s century-old holistic beauty rituals, Zareefa created Ammu Beauty, a plant-based skincare brand dedicated to preserving natural beauty. Founded in 2021, Zareefa worked for months writing and testing formulas by hand, prioritizing creating products that helped to heal consumers’ skin long-term as opposed to quick fixes. 

Through her social media platforms, her rituals have gone viral, deeply resonating with her audience. Her holistic wellness techniques have been used to educate and encourage people that there are natural alternatives to help improve their skin and overall wellness. 

Zareefa talked with Her Agenda on misconceptions about holistic beauty rituals, how her mother’s teachings continue to influence her life and motherhood, and the benefits of her family’s rituals.

Her Agenda: How did you use your grief to create something positive?

Zareefa Ahmed: Ammu Beauty was born from grief, but it was built through the intention and channel of that grief. After my mom passed, I found myself really returning to the ritual that she lived by, and not just by what she used, but how she approached care. It was consistent, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in the traditions that she also grew up with. I think that experience really reshaped how I saw beauty entirely. I believe beauty is structured into that expression. It’s where I take everything that I grew up with, I refine it, and I translate it into formulations that are effective and accessible. I don’t do it in an outdated way, but in a more modern way for people to adapt to it in today’s time, and my grief really gave me the foundation for Ammu Beauty. The brand itself is about building something tangible, something that allows women to really experience all of these benefits without needing to piece it together themselves. It’s kind of just like okay, I understand how our body holistically works, and now these are the products that my skin and my body understand.

Her Agenda: What inspired the name behind the brand?

Zareefa Ahmed: Ammu means mom in Bengali. Because it’s all of her recipes and all of her teachings, we just named it after her.

Her Agenda: How has the brand grown from how you first started to now? 

Zareefa Ahmed: Something that’s very specific to me is that my personal platform brand grew with the skincare side. Ammu Beauty didn’t start as content. It started as a product division, and over time, it’s grown from individual formulations into a more complete system. We’re not just creating standalone products; we’re thinking about how everything works together to support the skin long term. I think it was about translating what I already knew about the actual products, and now it’s just been refining it and targeting the solutions that still honor where all of the products and formulations came from, but at the same time, meeting the expectations for performance in the modern world. For my personal platform, like the buys and the refill content, it really helps build that awareness and trust. On the beauty side, it has evolved into a brand that stands on its own through our formulation and quality, and the results that our clients are getting. 

Her Agenda: In the future, how would you like to expand the brand?

Zareefa Ahmed: The expansion isn’t about adding more products. It’s about deepening that understanding. When you see the ethos of what I’m trying to do, half of it is that knowledge, and the other half is how to actually implement that. A big focus moving forward is growing the educational side through my personal brand and really helping people understand how their skin actually functions. It’s not just what you use, but the why. I think it’s so important how our internal health, inflammation, hormones, and daily habits all show up on our skin. I think Ammu Beauty has now become the extension of that knowledge. The product side is where we take that understanding and really translate it into systems that people can rely on. In terms of tangible expansions, we’re looking beyond facial skin care. There’s body care, hair, and more targeted treatments that are coming down the road. We’re also using that same philosophy where the skin is not just isolated, but everything is connected. The goal is to really build a brand where education and formulation evolve together, so people aren’t just using products. They’re actually understanding products for their skin in a much deeper way.

Her Agenda: What is your earliest memory with your mom and witnessing her in her holistic beauty rituals?

Zareefa Ahmed: She didn’t separate beauty from daily life, and it was the way that she cooked, the way she cared for herself, and the way she cared for us. It was the way that she approached it with consistency and the fact that everything had a purpose, and that perspective really stayed with me as I became a mom. I just grew as a woman. It taught me that effective care doesn’t really have to be complicated at all, but it does have to be intentional.

Her Agenda: On your platform, how has the response been from your audience when you educate them about these rituals?

Zareefa Ahmed: I think the advisory for the content side of things has always been about education and perspective. Through my platform, I’ve been able to show people that beauty isn’t about what you buy, but how you live, your habits, and the consistency and understanding of your body. I’ve also been able to challenge the idea that we always need to outsource our results, that we need something external to fix us. In reality, a lot of transformation comes from what we do daily. That response has been incredibly strong because people feel like they’re learning something and not just being sold something. Many women tell me that it reconnects them to their own roots or reminds them of the rituals that they, too, have grown up with. The beautiful part is that Ammu Beauty exists alongside that education, and it serves a totally different purpose. It’s for the person who truly understands the philosophy, wants to refine it, and has these products in their hands that are ready to use and that they can trust.

Her Agenda: What would you say is a common misconception people may have when it comes to using holistic beauty rituals?

Zareefa Ahmed: I think that in today’s society, so many people are addicted to instant gratification. For example, acne. The only way to truly heal acne is to dry it out, but not understanding that, maybe in three days you could dry out your acne, but it’s also going to leave you with texture issues. It’s going to damage your skin barrier. I think that the most common misconception is that modern science has come around and should be better than something that was thousands of years ago. If we’re looking at beauty in a holistic way, we want to look better in the long run rather than just solve independent problems that our skin is having.

Her Agenda: How has using your mom’s beauty rituals impacted your own life?

Zareefa Ahmed: I mean, it shapes everything about how I approach care at every level. I don’t see beauty as a separate thing from my lifestyle. It’s connected to how I eat, how I manage stress, and how consistent I am with habits. Those rituals taught me that results come from alignment and not intensity, basically what I just mentioned. You don’t need extreme measures if you are consistently caring for yourself in small, meaningful ways. I think a lot of people think oh, I have to do this drastic change, but it’s these small moments of change that really impact you. It also gave me discernment. I’m not easily pulled by trends because I understand that real results come from repetition. It comes from intention and really understanding your body. I have a deep personal understanding of my own body.

Her Agenda: What benefits have you seen from using beauty rituals?

Zareefa Ahmed: I think rituals create a foundation. A lot of modern beauty focuses on quick fixes and outsourcing results, but rituals really do build consistency. They make you more aware of your body and more engaged in your own care, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use advanced formulations. Without that foundation, results are often temporary. I’ve seen improvements in my skin, but also in my nervous system, my stress levels, and overall sense of balance. It’s just not about looking better. It’s about feeling more regulated, more present, and more connected to yourself.

Her Agenda: What lessons have you learned from your mother that you applied to your own journey with motherhood?

Zareefa Ahmed: [My mother] taught me that care is something you practice daily; it’s not something that is for special occasions, it’s not about the big moments, it’s about consistency, presence, and how I live every day.  It really does shape how I feel. As a mother, I think a lot about what my children are observing, and not just about what I say, but how I live, how I take care of myself, how I regulate, how I show up. I also learned that nurturing is powerful, softness is power, creating a sense of safety, comfort, and intention in everyday life. It just stays with my children, and I hope it stays with my children far longer than anything else. In many ways, it’s the same philosophy applied to Ammu Beauty. The same thing that I apply to motherhood. It’s all about being present every single day. You’re going to see that these little habits are what truly will shapeshift you. 

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

This article A Peek Inside Her Agenda: Zareefa Ahmed 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

Whenever my 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift ends, my legs often feel heavy, like two sacks of cement that I have to drag home. I look down and see the faint imprint from my ankle socks, a sad little line marking the start of my slightly puffy feet. I’m mentally drained from a day of meetings and deadlines, but my body also feels sluggish and stagnant. The irony is not lost on me. 

The Real Downside Of A Desk Job

Look, I’m the friend who sends articles to the group chat about the latest health trends. So, of course, I knew that sitting all day is not ideal. But it’s one thing to know it, and another to understand the specifics. 

Sitting for long hours increases the risk of health problems, from obesity and diabetes to cancer and heart conditions. Even a tough workout session before or after a shift can’t undo the damage of having a desk job. This wasn’t only about long-term health anxiety, though. I was tired of feeling sluggish after work. 

My Week-Long Compression Sock Experiment

I’ve heard of the wonders of wearing compression socks during long-haul flights. The goal there is to keep circulation moving to prevent clots and swelling. I figured, what is a nine-hour workday at a desk if not a long-haul flight to a paycheck? 

I wanted to see if the theory held up. I immediately went online, determined to find a pair that didn’t scream “medical supply store.” I found a cute, work-appropriate pair and set the terms of my experiment — wear these socks for one full work week. 

How Do Compression Socks Actually Work?

For those of us who spend most of the day sitting at a desk, compression socks apply gentle pressure on our calves. This stimulates our blood vessels and improves circulation in the legs. 

According to Dr. Eri Fukaya, a vascular medicine specialist at Stanford University, “Compression has been used since ancient times. The socks simulate calf muscles when you move and can help prevent swelling.” 

She started using compression socks to put herself in her patients’ shoes and found that her “legs felt a lot better wearing them.” Since then, she’s taken to sporting a pair almost every day, and I took that as a great sign. 

The Daily-Wear Verdict

Putting compression socks on for the first time was an experience. For the first hour, I was hyper-aware of them, but the feeling gradually went down from “strange” to “secure.”

To my surprise, around 3:00 p.m. — when I usually contemplate whether I need more coffee or a nap — I felt noticeably less sluggish. My legs didn’t feel that antsy, restless feeling that makes me want to fidget. It became a common observation all through the week. 

By Friday, I was a convert. I peeled off my compression socks after work, and my legs felt fine. Not the tired, heavy, slightly swollen versions that I’ve grown used to since I started my desk job. I felt lighter on my feet, and I actually had the energy to make plans after work instead of melting into my couch. 

More Ways To Boost Wellness At Your Desk

While the socks work wonders, they’re only one tool in your anti-sedentary arsenal. Ideally, we should still aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. You can start small. Dr. Fukaya recommends flexing the calf muscles and rolling the ankles around in big circles from time to time. 

Another trick I’ve been using is scheduling several five-minute breaks to walk to the pantry and back. 

Are Compression Socks Worth The Squeeze?

My official, well-researched opinion is yes. 100%. It’s a low-effort, high-impact strategy for anyone who works at a desk. The difference in end-of-day energy and the lack of leg swelling is undeniable. 

This article I Wore Compression Socks At My 9-to-5 Desk Job — Here’s What Happened was originally published on HerAgenda.com

There’s a historic financial shift underway for women. According to reports, trillions of dollars are moving from older generations, particularly Baby Boomers, to millennials and Gen Z, with women leading the numbers in prospective recipients. 

Over the next decade, this intergenerational transfer could make millennials “the richest generation in history,” according to the annual Wealth Report by global real estate consultancy Knight Frank. Experts say this wealth transfer could reshape economies, gender dynamics, and financial systems. Because women tend to live longer than men, they are more likely to inherit family wealth, making this a gender-specific phenomenon with broad implications. 

High-earning millennials and Gen Zers, called “HENRYs” (High Earners, Not Rich Yet), are already reaping the benefits, purchasing homes in their 20s and early 30s often with help from family funds. One expert noted that many are “ready, willing, and able to purchase” when they find the right property, supported by inherited or gifted wealth.

Wealth Transfer Disparities For Minority Women

There are a few catches: Surveys show many young people are counting on inheritance for financial security, yet only about one-fifth of Baby Boomers expect to leave a significant inheritance. Also, many women might not see the full benefits of this in the long run considering the factors that contribute to building wealth and the systemic barriers they face related to those factors. Minority women face added challenges due to “first-generation wealth-building pressures, family obligations, and risk aversion shaped by instability,” writes financial educator and strategist Alejandra Rojas. 

“Receiving assets is not the same as being positioned to sustain and grow them,” she continues. “Lower lifetime earnings, debt, limited access to capital, financial trauma, and the pressure to use new money to close old gaps can all prevent transferred wealth from becoming a meaningful long-term financial shift. That is why the next two decades will require more than optimism about the size of the transfer.”

How Women Can Prepare For The Wealth Transfer

For those who might receive an inheritance of funds or assets—whether the value is small or large—there are ways to prepare for financial freedom, boost the value, or sustain the wealth. 

1. Build a financial plan before the money arrives.

Even though large sums may be coming, most experts stress not relying on inheritance alone. In fact, 93% of women expecting an inheritance say they are still actively building their own wealth. Having a financial roadmap that covers goals, risk tolerance, and long-term plans ensures that any inheritance enhances stability rather than becoming a source of confusion.

2. Understand budgeting and tax implications.

Inheritance isn’t always “free money.” Depending on your location, there may be estate taxes, capital gains taxes, or costs tied to managing assets like property. Budgeting for ongoing expenses like maintenance, insurance, or investment fees is crucial. A sudden influx of wealth can also lead to overspending if not carefully managed, so integrating it into a structured budget is key to preserving it.

3. Have open communication with family members, and build a financial services team early.

Financial planners, tax professionals, and estate attorneys can help navigate complex assets like real estate, trusts, or investment portfolios. Check with your bank, financial service organizations, and nonprofits about experts and resources available to assist you in making choices about how best to manage an inheritance and to figure out ways to invest and grow your wealth.

4. Consider future opportunities of business acquisition, especially for minority women.

Along with the projected wealth transfer, there’s a lucrative opportunity to acquire a small business or franchise. This is due to what experts are calling the “Great Business Transfer,” according to a recent McKinsey report. Researchers found that, by 2035, 6 million small- and medium-sized businesses, or SMBs, will be available for acquisition. If Black and Hispanic women entrepreneurs can increase ownership during this time, there’s an opportunity for a potential $3 trillion in new wealth. “Closing participation gaps could unlock up to $3 trillion in new household wealth, making ownership transfers one of the most powerful near-term levers to narrow geographic, gender, and race-based disparities in wealth accumulation.”

With trillions of dollars set to move into younger hands, and women positioned to inherit much of it, the decisions made now will shape future wealth, opportunity, and inequality. While headlines focus on massive numbers, the real impact will depend on preparation, education, societal shifts, and realistic expectations.

This article The ‘Big Wealth’ Transfer Is Coming For Millennial Women, But Are We Ready? 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

I crawled into my mom’s bed, trying not to lie on her oxygen cord or blood pressure monitor — the device helping her breathe and the device letting us know she was still here.

After years of struggling with a rare disease called amyloidosis, my Mom had days, maybe hours, left here on earth with us. As I lay there next to her frail but determined body, it dawned on me — she wouldn’t know my kids. My husband and I didn’t have any yet.

Even though I knew it would take everything in me not to cry, I turned to my Mom joyfully and said, “Mom, did you know that I will be naming my first daughter Lottie?” This was my Mom’s beautiful and unique name. She turned her head towards me as much as she could and just smiled, imagining it. Something in me took over. I lay there with a dry face and a steady voice and talked to her about how amazing her grandchildren would be. I wanted her to know that there would be another “little Lottie” someday, her grandchild.

My mom passed away peacefully in her sleep a few days later. Devastation and grief are words that don’t begin to describe your worst nightmare coming true. As I wailed on the hospital floor next to my mom’s body, her hands still warm to the touch, my mind turned to my future children, who would never know her laugh, wisdom, and unconditional love the way I did.

Two months into my grief journey, I was on the phone with my cousin, who was five months pregnant. I listened to her talk about how she was only considering family names for her daughter-to-be. My stomach sank. I had a feeling before I asked — she wants to name this child Lottie, doesn’t she? I tried to compose myself even though my heart was racing, my mouth was dry and my stomach was on the floor. As we wrapped up the conversation, I decided to go for it. “Can I make a request?” I asked timidly.

Over the next few weeks, we went back and forth on this. I requested that she use Lottie as a middle name instead, leaving me the honor of being “the first” to name my child after my mom. I pleaded with her, tears in my eyes, that this was the only thing I have left of my mom. “Your mother lives in the same city as you,” I said desperately at the end of our last call.

But she persisted. As a soon-to-be single mother, my cousin felt that one of the few benefits she had was that she did not have to answer to anyone regarding name selection. She told me this was her decision and hers alone, and I was not to try to influence the decision. Why were they acting like Lottie was just “any other name” or a name I simply didn’t like, instead of a name that carried enormous significance?

My pain and grief worsened. It felt like that irreplaceable moment with my mom and my special naming rights as her only daughter were being overshadowed at best, stolen at worst. I was shattered that my cousin wasn’t honoring or even considering my heartfelt request. I was devastated that her Lottie would be “first,” and so soon after my Mom’s death. I felt blind-sided.

Even though I knew intellectually that my mom was never coming back, I kept looking for her in the actions and words of others. When I spoke to my cousin, I expected her to just “get it,” the way my mom would have. When I spoke to my cousin’s mother, I expected to find the unconditional love, support, and kindness I always found in my mother. What I got instead felt cold and indifferent to my well-being. When my father called to say he thought I should back off, I was secretly hoping for the deep empathy I associated with my mother. I never found it, because he was not her.

Still, in talking things through, my dad and I eventually came to understand each other. He was afraid of creating rifts in the family. He wanted to maintain peace and unity during a time when we desperately needed extra family support and care. He understood my point of view and supported my position and echoed my request.

My cousin had her baby more than a year ago and gave her the first name Lottie. And while I love that child, my feelings of hurt about this situation have not changed — in fact, they’ve deepened with time. Many logical arguments have been made to me in the hopes I will change my mind and my heart on this issue. What if I only have boys? Why can’t there be more than one Lottie? Isn’t that proof of how loved she was?

These are all valid arguments, but they don’t really matter. Grief is rooted in emotion, and those who haven’t been through something similar often struggle to relate. Yes, my reasons are emotional, but that doesn’t invalidate them. They’re tied to my deep bond with my mom and my experience of grief at this moment.

In some ways, this whole experience with my cousin made me miss my mother on a deeper level than before. I’ve wondered what she would say about my situation, what she would do. Even now,  I sometimes close my eyes and talk to my Mom about this. In my mind, we have a conversation. She’s calm, compassionate, and understanding — she sees my pain.

But she’s practical, too. If there’s no peaceful compromise to be had between the two parties, she tells me, then I will have to learn to live with this and make peace with it in myself. And I realize that this situation is a painful example of the bigger picture. I will have to learn to live with the loss of my mother — and, in a sense, the loss of my cousin and her family, with whom I’d always been close.

But now, in the second act of my life, my job is to focus on keeping my mother with me. My children will be her grandchildren and therefore a part of her. Nothing — not even another child named Lottie — can take that from me.

Katherine Austin-Evelyn is a New York-based philanthropic consultant. She is learning to navigate a world without her mother’s physical presence. She writes about her loss for her own therapeutic purposes and in the hopes that her experiences will help others feel less alone.

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

This article My Cousin Stole My Chance To Name My Baby After My Mom was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Welcome to Spring, Water signs! This is a four-part series featuring the zodiac according to their elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. You’re reading part three—Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces).

Don’t see your sign?

Check out Air (Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini) here and Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) here. Stay tuned for Fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) coming soon!

Read below to learn what spring’s energy is bringing you according to your zodiac. To get the full picture, make sure you’re reading for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs! (Not sure what yours are or why they matter? Check out this article on the importance of knowing your Big Three).

Into the spring waters we go, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces!

Cancer

Oh dear Cancer, it’s spring! You can commiserate with Virgo on this, that indeed, it may feel like things are moving too quickly for your gentle nature right now. The excitable and pacing energy of the Aries season (along with two major planets in Aries) can feel all the more overwhelming, and with Jupiter (our planet of expansion) in your sign, your sensitive, watery, ‘youness’ may be feeling all the more emotional.

My advice for you this month?

Let the Beatle’s ‘Let it Be’ be your anthem, and give a crazed laugh when things are, yet again, out of your control. See if you can allow things to slip through your fingers to the best of your ability.

It may not be your natural state, no, but everyone needs an opportunity to practice being out of their element. You may just find some inspiration poking through the ground in the process. 

Pisces

Somebody’s got the golden egg this month, Pisces! After a watery winter and indeed, plenty of stripping back, we now have the fresh energy of a few planets in your sign on your side. Mercury (our planet of communication) stationed direct in your sign at the end of March, clearing up the awkward silences and pauses in your life.

Mars, our planet of action, also entered your sign in March – asking you to take action on your dreams. This may have felt inspiring, but hard – there was much getting in the way of your progress last month and plenty of loose ends to tie.

Allow this spring energy to serve as a new type of current – lean into your unique zone of genius when it comes to how you think, act, and feel – you may find yourself in lucky spaces because you swam your unique current instead of waiting in line to try the door.

Scorpio

You are ON this month, Scorpio. Spring is here, the birds are back, and the energy of Aries season (along with our planet of action, Mars, and our planet of communication, Mercury in Aries) is bringing you the fire and focus you need.

If you have an idea this month, go for it.

You were more patient than usual this winter (which is really saying something!), and you’re ready to lean into the next phase of your being. The full moon in Libra, April 1, may have brought a slightly different perspective on relationships and beauty than you’ve been previously holding – take that shift in perspective and run with it.

You’ve got good ideas brewing within you, Scorpio.

Do not be afraid to take the first step.

If you’d like to book an astrology reading or Intuitive Coaching session, my books are currently CLOSED, but will open in May, for 10 spots. First come, first serve. Click here if you’d like to be kept in the loop!

This article Q2 Spring Astrology For Water Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces was originally published on HerAgenda.com

We all know how fast technology is advancing. Long gone are the days of rushing home to watch your favorite show at exactly 7 P.M on TV. Nowadays, it’s all on-demand entertainment, hyper-realistic video games, virtual reality goggles, and kids with iPads seemingly everywhere. More than ever before, parents are feeling that technology is creating a gap between them and their children. 42% of Millennial and Gen Z parents feel disconnected from their children due to technology, as kids spend an average of four hours of screen time every day.

That’s scary because these young years feel so meaningful in terms of bonding with your children. Of course, you want to work to limit your child’s screen time, teach them about the value of other activities such as board games, sports, crafts, and more. And yet, could a step away from seeing screens as the enemy and towards accepting them as a part of life be beneficial to the parent, child, screens, and triangle? 

Screen time is here to stay, so let’s look at ways to actually use it to connect with your kids.

Get Curious

Ask your kids about what they like to watch, listen to, and play on screens. Showing genuine interest is a great way to strengthen the parent-child bond. 

“It’s an important first step for families to have a language about their tech use at home that’s more descriptive,” said Jenny Radesky, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician. “It’s less full of value judgments or morality, and more just about, ‘What do you do online? What did you see that was toxic or wrong? What did you see that was inspirational or really funny?’”

This approach not only creates a connection between you and your child but also helps alleviate some of the fears you have around screen time by being more tapped into what your kids are actually doing online. 

Share Screen Time 

Switch some personal screen time for communal screen time. Watching a movie with your child or playing a virtual game together can be a great time for building common memories. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages families to watch content together rather than separately. Their research shows that “joint media consumption is associated with greater learning.” 

It seems simple, but any shared moment can add to your shared language as a family. That means inside jokes, discussions, and “You remember when’s that extend beyond the screen. Yes, all of this, just from getting cozy on the couch and watching something together. 

Think About Your Own Screen Time

Has your child ever told you, “But you’re always on your phone,” when you limit their screen time? Have you reacted by saying, “Right, but it’s for work?” While this may be true, it actually alienates your child and creates a hierarchy. Consider thinking about your own screen time and how it impacts your relationship to your child, not just the other way around.

“Parental screen time can reduce face-to-face interaction that is vital to children’s emotional and intellectual development,” said Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician at Children’s Medical Group in Atlanta. 

Additionally, studies show that “nurturing physical touch promotes healthy physiological development,” so consider that you and your child can have parallel screen time as well. Sit next to your child on the couch or anywhere as you do some work and they get some screen time. 

Breathe

When we think about what our kids might be watching, what’s good for their developing brains and what isn’t, what we should be doing as parents to mitigate this, it can get quite stressful. It’s important to take a breath and remember that just like anything in life, screentime is about moderation and ebb and flow. Have you ever felt guilty for letting your child watch a little more TV than they should because you needed a minute, or they had a lot of outdoor time that day? You’re not alone. In fact, 60% of parents report feeling guilty about their children’s screen time. 

It’s time to move away from guilt and towards finding an equilibrium. Getting involved in your child’s screentime, asking them questions, creating intentional common screentime moments, and simply cutting yourself a little slack can help the whole topic feel lighter and more enjoyable for the whole family. 

This article Screen Time Is Here To Stay: How To Use It To Connect With Your Kids was originally published on HerAgenda.com

An accomplished Broadway actress and singer-songwriter, Keziah “Niambi Ra” John-Paul, has charted a fairly impressive career over the past decade. Born and raised in Washington, DC, her artistic journey is heavily influenced by her mother, who is a dancer, arts administrator, and global arts advocate.

“From about three years old, my mother put me into dance, and from there everything just expanded: music, acting, and more,” Niamba says. “I really gravitated toward acting and took many acting classes.”

This led to a decade or more of formal education in the arts. She attended Duke Ellington School of the Arts in DC, a 96% black public arts high school that requires an audition or portfolio for admission, with a mission to give students access to arts education they might not otherwise have.

Afterward, she enrolled at NYU Tisch for musical theatre. “While in high school, I began making music alongside my work as an acting major. “When I started college, I struggled to choose between musical theatre, music business, or jazz and contemporary music, but I knew I wanted to continue both music and acting,” Niambi recalls.

Her Broadway Journey With The Book Of Mormon

From getting a job on Broadway as soon as she graduated to starring in the Book of Mormon for about 11 years, Niambi’s musical theatre journey has been interesting. She’s been training her whole life, and she trained extensively at NYU, where she also studied abroad in Ghana for a semester.

“In her senior year, Niambi’s class performed The Wild Party as a student showcase, inviting industry professionals, and the performance prompted them to ask her to audition for The Book of Mormon.”

“This all happened the week before I graduated. I auditioned over several days, and everything felt very fresh—I had just finished school, so my skills were sharp,” she says. “I got the role on my graduation day. The next week, I started on Broadway, and I stayed with the show for 11 years.” 

During this period, she worked in every capacity: a swing, covering all the women’s roles, an understudy, and B. In her final year, she became the lead.

But this never stopped her from writing and performing music. “While I was in The Book of Mormon, that job actually funded my music career, my debut album, performances, studio time, and paying musicians,” she says. 

Continuing Her Music Journey

Her musical theatre experience has now bled into how she shows up as a singer-songwriter. 

“For me, everything goes hand in hand because at the core, I’m a storyteller, whether I’m acting, performing musical theatre, or creating my own music,” Niambi says. “The responsibility to tell stories clearly, authentically, and with high quality comes from my theatre training. I’m also very expressive and a big performer, even in my own music.”

She also records and performs her music with a band, Niambi RA and the Black Stars. “My performances are about giving people a full experience, not just music,” she says.

The theatricality naturally comes through in her work in a way that builds a world. “Even in my recordings, you can hear it in the humor, the ad-libs, and the soundscape. It’s all about creating an immersive experience, much like musical theatre,” she says. 

After a decade, the Broadway role started affecting her mental health, and it felt like the right time to move on to her first love, music.

Her Debut Album: The Stellar Nebula

Released on Niambi’s 33rd birthday, the album title Stellar Nebula means “birth of a star, marking a new chapter for her.

“I think hip hop itself has always carried a vision of Afrofuturism,” she says. “Hip-hop is a way to tell stories that need to be told, to call for action, and to imagine a better future. That sense of futurism is authentically ingrained in the genre, and you’ll hear that influence in my work, alongside the cosmic jazz soundscapes of Sun Ra, sounds that evoke stars, constellations, and the ether.”

Stellar Nebula is about questioning, exploring adversity, and processing personal challenges about myself and my relationships. It’s about moving through darkness, turning poison into medicine, and holding faith for brighter days.

Another influence is that the majority of the songs are live recordings with Niambi’s band playing. “That’s intentional as I’m really passionate about live music,” Niambi says. “This influence comes from growing up in DC, where we had our own genre, Go-Go music, which is driven by live performance.

As a lot of the songs weren’t originally on the album, Niambi approached the cohesion through live performance. “Performing them live created continuity, giving the tracks a shared soundscape even though they started as separate pieces,” she says. “Most of the songs were mixed and mastered by the same person, which helped maintain cohesiveness. And for the other songs, I thought carefully about placement and the story they told.”

Moving forward, she plans to do a big album release performance. 

“I’m in a transitional phase right now, which is beautiful, but I don’t fully know what’s next yet,” Niambi says. I want to keep making music and exploring new sounds. Artistically, I see my work as something that comes from God, something beyond myself. So I want to be more intentional about where I place my art and the stories I tell.”

Currently, she’s focusing on being responsible with her gift and understanding why she’s an artist in the first place.

This article Niamba Ra, Her Musical Journey From The Book Of Mormon To Her Debut Album ‘Stellar Nebula’ 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

We’re in the spring soil, Earth signs! This is part two of a four-part series featuring the zodiac according to their elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. This forecast is for Earth signs: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Don’t see your sign?

Check out Air (Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini) here, and stay tuned for Fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius) and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) coming later this week.

Read below to learn what spring’s energy is bringing you according to your zodiac. To get the full picture, make sure you’re reading for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs! Not sure what yours are or why they matter? Check out this article on the importance of knowing your Big Three.

Into the spring soil we go, Earth signs!

Virgo

There comes a time in everyone’s chart, dear Virgo, that the energy of the current transits and collective flow is at the complete opposite of our natural harmonic state. In your case, this time is now. Aries season often feels like going 80 in a school zone for you, Virgo, but the added energy of Mercury, Saturn, and Mars all in Aries is making you feel… frenetic.

The antidote to this conundrum?

Lean into it.

Dishes in the sink, rushing out the door, commitments, events, and a general quick pace of life right now is going to have you feeling like a hot mess – and I encourage you to let it.

First off, Virgo’s version of a hot mess is most others’ daily routine. Secondly, this is a great opportunity and lesson in letting go. How much can you let life take the reins from you and still keep your composure, cleverness, and propensity for joy?

Consider this a dress rehearsal for what’s coming for you this year. The forward momentum you’ve been praying for is here, dear one. It’s just not going to be as organized as you’d prefer.

For now? The plan is no plan. Consider it training.

Taurus

It may feel like things are in a scattered mess this month, dear Taurus, and I ask you to consider this: So what if they are? Instead of staring at the scattered heap on the ground and panicking that it’s not falling perfectly into place, how can you look at the situation from a different angle in order to make it art?

Venus enters your sign at the very end of March, asking you to find new ways of loving yourself into a new way of being. You’re skilled at knowing what turns you onto loving life, but perhaps haven’t been so adept lately at truly allowing yourself to receive those times.

Jupiter’s sextile to Venus mid-April (13th) is a beautiful time to lean into this practice a little more fully.

What would it feel like if you knew you were tripping and stumbling in the absolute right direction?

Capricorn

Always ahead of the curve, dear Capricorn, this month asks you to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. As it seems like the whole world is springing forward with our astrological new year (Aries season), the year of the fire horse energy is finally reaching those who have been patiently waiting, and with no planets in retrograde, you, above all people, are being asked to … sit back.

It can feel frustrating when we’re being asked to slow down when everyone else is moving forward – especially a competitive sign like your own, dear cap. Try not to look around while you take stock of what you’re creating and re-evaluate whether or not it’s truly the direction you want to be heading. There’s still plenty of time to change course with projects, relationships, and plans, but as the year’s energy ushers us forward and we find ourselves thrust into summer, things will be…trickier.

Use the new moon in Aries on April 17 to have a date night with yourself, ignore all your texts and calls, and make a plan for what you actually want your life to look like. Then ask yourself if the job, friendships, relationships, and other aspects of your life are truly supporting you to get there. 

That’s a wrap for this month’s astro forecast, Earth signs!

If you’d like to book an astrology reading or Intuitive Coaching session, my books are currently CLOSED, but will open in May, for 10 spots. First come, first serve. Click here if you’d like to be kept in the loop!

This article Q2 Spring Astrology For Earth Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn 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

The moment you block off your next planned trip on your calendar is a win in itself. However, you might immediately start planning what to pack and what new outfits and accessories you need to buy. You may not need to purchase all brand-new things for your trip, so your goal should be to pack a finance-friendly suitcase. Here are some great ways to prioritize affordability before your next adventure.  

Where To Splurge And Where To Save

Preparing for a long trip makes you feel like you need the best of everything. That said, you should know where to spend a little extra and areas to save. 

Spending A Little Extra

A good rule of thumb is to splurge on items that protect your health, safety and sanity. Imagine you’re on a long flight to Tokyo, which can take up to 14 hours due to the distance. In this instance, consider noise-canceling headphones for air travel and public transit. 

You should also consider the climate of your destination. If it’s rainy and foggy like London or Seattle, you need a waterproof jacket to stay warm and dry. Regardless, these purchases require an investment mindset. It’s wise to use guides for strategic saving to budget for the nonnegotiable.   

Saving A Few Bucks

Conversely, there are avenues to save money and make room in your budget. Start by considering the items you can buy at your destination, instead of sacrificing luggage space. For example, notebooks and pens are inexpensive, so it might be economical to buy them after you arrive.

Picture the items that are most likely to be left behind or broken. Your sunglasses could snap with just one accident, so consider saving some dollars here. Then, think about where you can save money with the essentials. Your water thermos should work well as long as it’s durable and leakproof. 

Taking Inventory

Before you add items to your cart, it’s essential to audit what you have. Instead of limiting your options, you can be resourceful and discover travel-ready items in your closet. Spending a few minutes on inventory can save money and prevent you from buying duplicates. 

Searching through your belongings can be overwhelming, especially as you get closer to your trip. Make your life easier by splitting this process into the following defined steps. 

• Create a staging area: Start by designating a large space to lay out everything you’re considering for the trip. 
• Categorize the items: Sort your belongings into categories, such as clothes or electronics. 
• Assess individually: With each item, ask yourself whether it’s worth bringing on the trip. 
• Sort again: As you audit, sort your belongings into three piles — yes, maybe and no. 
• Make decisions: Use the time before the trip to decide what you need from the maybe pile and what you must buy. 

The Top Places For Affordable Gear

Once you’ve made a splurge and save list, it’s time to get gear for your sabbatical. Before falling down a rabbit hole of browser tabs and reviews, you need a cheat sheet. Here are three places to find high-value gear at affordable prices.  

1. Travel Glasses: Eyemart Express

Eyemart Express is where you can buy durable and affordable glasses for traveling. The company is renowned for affordable travel glasses with flexible frames and durability. It provides lens and frame protection through ExpressCare+ for peace of mind in the event of an accident on your trip. 

2. Travel Clothes: Quince

Quince is the one-stop shop for travel clothes. The online retailer offers premium material clothing at lower prices. Cashmere, washable silk, and linen are only some of the offerings. This wide range of clothing materials will allow you to stay comfortable regardless of the weather at your travel location.

3. Travel Shoes: DSW

DSW carries comfortable and durable shoes at affordable prices. When traveling, quality footwear is nonnegotiable, especially if you’re hiking in national parks or traveling to walkable cities. 

Preparing For An Adventurous Sabbatical

Gathering gear is the first real step of a woman’s sabbatical. Making strategic choices about your accessories means you’re designing the experience. While it can be overwhelming, packing becomes an exercise in priority and value. Make a thoughtfully curated kit with affordable and practical products for your trip so you can put your best foot forward.

This article How (And Where) To Find The Most Affordable Accessories For Your Travel Sabbatical was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Inspired by seeing the lack of smudge-proof lip liners in the makeup industry, CEO and Content Creator Marvella Akiojano set out to create her own cosmetics company featuring lip liners that require minimal touch-up. Falling in love with fashion and beauty at a young age, it was natural for Marvella to launch Marviano Cosmetics in December 2024. Originally from Nigeria, Marvella has expanded her reach to over 1 million followers across all platforms through her engaging videos on beauty and fashion, making her a popular voice in the industry. Since launching Marviano, the company has grown with Marvella adding more products, including glosses and lip balms. 

The CEO recently dropped her Valentine’s Day trio set and held a pop-up shop in Dallas last August, where she sold out in 30 minutes. Marvella hopes to continue to make Marviano a worldwide brand. The beauty expert talked with Her Agenda about her inspiration for the company, dream collab, and where she sees the brand headed in the near future.

Her Agenda: What led you to start your cosmetic line, and what success have you seen since it launched?

Marvella Akiojano: I started Marviano Cosmetics because I personally was facing certain issues with my makeup. I remember vividly that I got my lip filled on the top. I know people were talking about me on the internet, and when people talk about a certain part of your body online, you start to reflect. I’m looking at all my lip videos, and I see that towards the end of my video, my liner is gone. I’m still recording, but my liner is gone. That was the first time I noticed that.  When I go out, me and my girls first stop is the bathroom. What are they doing? Lip liner. I’m like, we just got here. When I noticed I’m not the only one facing this issue with my lip liner, instead of going to the market and seeing what was already there. I just felt like actually doing research to figure out what would make a lip liner long-lasting and how to create my own. That’s how I started Marviano Cosmetics. I would say it has been pretty successful so far, especially because it is pretty solution-based. We thank God. We’ve had thousands and thousands of orders over the past year since we launched, so that is very, very exciting.

Her Agenda: Other than your lip liner, what products have you added to your Cosmetics line?

Marvella Akiojano: Now we have lip glosses. We currently just sneak-launched some lipsticks in our Valentine’s lip kits and our other additional lip kits. We also have a lip balm called Yap Stick, which has SPF in it. Super excited about that. It also has foliates, so I love that product.

Her Agenda: What was the inspiration behind your recent Valentine’s Day drop, and what can we expect from you in the future?

Marvella Akiojano: Honestly, the Valentine’s drop was a marketing spinoff because the lip kits are pink and have the winter icicles on them, because it was supposed to be for Christmas. It was supposed to be a great stocking stuffer. With manufacturers that are not in the States, it takes so long. You just have to pray to God that it gets here in time. They ended up delivering the red version. So I was like, hmm. The best way I can do this is spin it as a Valentine’s Day drop. That’s how we ended up dropping that for Valentine’s. It was never a Valentine drop. I’m excited about our setting sprays. We’re going to drop that very, very soon. 

Her Agenda: What do you want women to feel when they wear your products?

Marvella Akiojano: I want women to be confident when they wear my products. I want women to know that they don’t have to turn into chemists and mixologists in order to find shades that work for them. You can go on the Marviano site and see, hey, this girl has my skin color. I know it’s going to work for me. Boom, espresso martini is dark enough. I want them to feel confident in the items that they’re putting on their face. I also want them to feel beautiful from within and out. I don’t want them to be worried all the time, about their lip combo not looking right after a while, or their lip not being protected when they’re out in the sun. I want them to put something on and know that, okay, after I’ve put it on, I don’t have to revisit it again. 

Her Agenda: What was the inspiration behind the name Marviano?

Marvella Akiojano: Marviano was actually supposed to be a bag brand. I designed a bag, and at the time, I had just graduated from college. I was about to graduate from college, and I didn’t have the funds to make that dream come true, so I put a pause on that. The name Marviano came from December 2023. I went to visit my parents, and I was telling them about the bag. I didn’t know what name I would use, even if I wanted to drop a brand, because the last time I had a brand, it was called Vella’s Closet. I was selling clothes in college. I was like, if I wanted to stick, it had to be good. There’s this African artist called Asake. He dropped a song called Amapiano. At the time, my dad was just singing the song. I was like I need a name. He’s like, hmm, Marviano. My last name is Akiojano, and obviously, Marvella. He put both of them together. He started singing it with the song Marviano, Amapiano. I’m like, hmm, that’s kind of hard. That’s how Marviano came up. 

Her Agenda: How does your background in marketing help you in terms of your brand?

Marvella Akiojano: It gives me the perspective of the buyer because that’s something that I learned a lot in my school, especially since I joined a professional selling program. A lot of that was B2B. I feel like if you can sell to a business, you can sell to an individual consumer. I think the little skills that I did learn about human relations and how the brain works in terms of buying and selling, I think that definitely plays a huge role. Compared to knowing, I need to know to put it on their face and let them know what it is that I feel like learning how human beings think in relation to purchasing things definitely helps. It also taught me how to spin things, as I explained about the Valentine’s Day drop. I learned not to take all the possible L’s before exhausting all the other options that you can carry out. 

Her Agenda: What was the moment you first fell in love with beauty?

Marvella Akiojano: Wow, that’s been a long time. I’ve been doing makeup and hair for a long time; my mom was a hairstylist when I was younger, so that already introduced me to beauty in general. I would also braid hair with them and learn how to do hair. My mom was also big on makeup. All I remember growing up was antenna eyebrows, blue eyeshadow, and red lipstick. I think watching her and I always just used to play in her makeup. That’s how I was introduced to beauty. My mom was a makeup babe. I’m not gonna lie, I don’t know what she was doing, but she knew what she was doing. Her letting me play with her makeup was how I was introduced to beauty. I would always do her makeup whenever we’re going to parties. I learned on her face, she was my canvas.

Her Agenda: What drives your passion for beauty and content creation?

Marvella Akiojano: I was bullied when I was younger. I knew I was always a pretty girl, but I feel like when I started to dibble and dabble in learning how to do my own hair and how to emphasize certain features on my face, and enhance what I already have, I think that’s when I fell in love with beauty. I thought oh great, I don’t have to totally shape shift my face. Growing up, there was this idea that you had to put on makeup to change what you look like. The more I realized I don’t have to change what I look like with makeup, I can just emphasize those features that I do have, that are super pretty on my face. It doesn’t have to be a costume. 

Her Agenda: You’ve been doing a lot of red carpet interviews this year. Is that something you want to continue to do?

Marvella Akiojano: I would absolutely love to be on more red carpets, especially because my stylist has been killing it. Give me the looks. I absolutely love serving looks. I want to do more red carpets for sure. More panels. I would like to talk to younger females as well and share my experience. I want to let them know that it’s possible to come from zero to a hundred. It’s very, very possible. I also want to be on more beauty panels, and maybe a masterclass one day, and a collab with a big brand by God’s grace. We’re going worldwide with it. Whoever wants a piece of Marvella can get it.

Her Agenda: How do you want to inspire young girls hoping to enter the beauty industry from an entrepreneurial standpoint?

Marvella Akiojano:  It’s a very intricate space because we’re dealing with multiple colors of people and multiple races of people. You also have to put everybody into consideration, which I would say at the beginning stage, it’s kind of difficult because you do have limited resources. I want them to know [no matter] how difficult it is; it is very much worth it. As a Black woman, for me personally, it’s very worth it because I’m not even the darkest shade in anything, but sometimes I struggle to find my shade in certain products for certain brands. They should know that it’s okay for it to be difficult at first, but it’s very, very fulfilling and rewarding when you can be the one to fill a gap in a market for your people too. You’re also fighting for people, regardless of who they are. Even if it’s somebody whose not of Black descent. Keep going and be transparent. It will take you far.

Her Agenda: What are the keys to a successful career? 

Marvella Akiojano: I would say discipline, transparency, and community. Very important. All three of those.

Her Agenda: Where do you see Marviano Cosmetics in the next five years?

Marvella Akiojano: In the next five years, I see Marviano in stores like Sephora, Ulta, and Boots in the UK. I’m hoping and praying that Marviano is worldwide and accessible to my customers in person. That would be amazing. If we can get it on Amazon, I think that would be stunning. I could also see Marviano starting a little makeup academy as well. That is something I’ve always wanted to do because not everybody has access to makeup products. Currently, I have makeup products on my floor because I’m doing a giveaway on my Snapchat. I know makeup is not cheap at all, so by God’s grace, in the next five to ten years, Marviano will have a full face of makeup. We can have a little academy where kids will pay maybe $30 or $40 a month and get a little package of makeup monthly. It would be just a little something for the girls who want to do makeup but cannot afford to splurge all that money.

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

This article A Peek Inside Her Agenda: Marvella Akiojano was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Lately, everything in the world feels heavy. It seems like we’re all consumed with doom scrolling, endless bad news, and nonstop chaos. It’s enough to make you wonder if there’s even room to romanticize life or find joy, even in the struggle.

Sometimes you just have to take a break to escape and recalibrate with a movie night. The following films feel like a breath of fresh air. They’re full of color, charm, and moments that remind you it’s OK to take risks, chase dreams, and fall in love with life again. From self-love marathons and snowed-in romances, to New York media adventures and cult-classic adventures, each story celebrates reinvention, boldness, and savoring life’s magic.

1. Falling for Figaro, Streaming on Apple TV 

Danielle Macdonald plays a woman who leaves a stable finance job to pursue her dreams of opera. The singing and lavish Scottish backdrop alone is enough to captivate, perfectly complementing the film’s charm, humor, and inspiring story of passion, courage, and self-discovery.

2. Finding Joy, Streaming on Amazon Prime Video

Joy, the main character, navigates emotional crossroads and relationships and leans heavily into healing, faith, and new love. She does all of this within the stunning landscapes of Colorado. There’s also the almost-cliché yet irresistible allure of two people stuck in a snowed-out cabin, sparking romance and laughter.

3. The Forty-Year-Old Version, Streaming On Netflix

Radha Blank stars as a struggling playwright and educator nearing 40 who reinvents herself through hip-hop. She confronts artistic compromise and the dynamics of age-gap love amidst the vibrance pulse of Brooklyn, N.Y. Shot in black-and-white, the film gives a nod to Spike Lee’s “She’s Gotta Have It” that adds a bit of gritty whimsy and comedy.

4. Brittany Runs A Marathon, Streaming On Amazon Prime Video 

Jillian Bell plays a heavy-partying New Yorker who begins running to improve her health. In the process she finds self-love beyond weight loss, shifts her perspective on what’s living well really looks like and enjoys the benefits of maturity during difficult times. 

5. Unthinkably Good Things, Streaming On Hallmark 

Three friends reunite in Italy, rediscovering love, purpose, and connection. There are elements of warm escapism and a focus on Black women in friendship, personal growth, and romantic renewal over a span of years in the U.S. and abroad.

6. B.A.P.S, Streaming On Starz 

This cult classic stars Halle Berry in a once-risky role, playing a ‘hood-fabulous woman traveling from Atlanta to Los Angeles with her best friend to find financial freedom. Enjoy the spectacular Black culture and style of the ‘90s, and the empowering themes of sisterhood and radical faith.

7. Mahogany, Streaming On Amazon Prime

Diana Ross shines as an aspiring fashion designer who rises to fame, from gritty beginnings in Chicago to glamorous runways in Italy. This classic combines flamboyance, with themes of ambition, love, and self-definition at a time when women’s rights were restricted.

8. Happiness Ever After, Streaming On Amazon Prime

Set in South Africa, where safari meets luxury, this film blends romance, art, and reinvention with its beautiful depictions of the nation, whimsical style of the characters and their homes, and all the themes of love, friendship, and resilience you need for a good watch.

9. The Perfect Find, Streaming On Netflix

Gabrielle Union plays a millennial media professional who risks her career and reputation for a secret romance with her boss’s son. From vivid magazine shoots and a nostalgic R&B soundtrack, to stylish modern-day pop-art offices, vibrant restaurants, and mid-century homes, the film captures the vibrancy, charm, and magnetic allure of life in media.

10. Sylvie’s Love, Streaming On Amazon Prime 

Tessa Thompson plays a young woman who embodies class, style, and privilege in 1960s New York City. A TV producer, she navigates love with a struggling jazz musician amid lush, nostalgic, and emotional historical-fiction storytelling.

This article 10 Women-Centered Films About New Beginnings And Romanticizing Life was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Every spring, many women feel a renewed urge to reset, but there’s also a pressure to figure things out. Research has shown that seasonal transitions can heighten stress around productivity, career direction, and personal goals. The whole concept of “springing forward” can prompt feelings of anxiety and dread, especially when you already feel burdened, burned out, or overwhelmed.

Well, it doesn’t have to be this way. The shift into spring offers a powerful window to realign habits, refocus priorities, and step into a more energized, intentional version of yourself both personally and professionally. Here’s how:

1. Get beyond spring cleaning and gather the girls for a seasonal life audit.

Instead of overwhelming yourself with drastic change, focus on small, aligned shifts that support your long-term vision. Grab a few friends or join a co-working or support group to support one another via your church, MeetUp platform, coffee-shop chitchats, or coworking spaces to evaluate your seasonal financial goals, your next career moves, and even your digital habits. What feels aligned? What feels draining? 

If you already feel stuck or get overwhelmed with strategizing about the future, tap into resources like thought-provoking journal prompts, AI platforms like Claude, or coaches with experience in career advancement, wellness, and financial planning. 

2. Reconnect with child-like joy via outdoor fitness, indoor introspection, and unapologetic fun.

Spring is one of the best times to take your fitness routine outside, and it’s increasingly popular as part of holistic wellness trends. Workouts like walking groups, hiking, and park yoga spike significantly in the spring months. 

The combination of sunlight, fresh air, and movement boosts serotonin levels, helping improve mood and mental clarity. After a more sedentary winter, your body naturally craves movement and renewal. Reunite with activities from your younger days like double-dutch, tennis, swimming, coloring, scrapbooking, or group dancing. Even if for 30 minutes to an hour a week, this can do wonders for your mental and physical health.

3. Plan a spring reset trip focused on wellness. 

Travel is one of the biggest spring trends right now, but not in the way it used to be. While there are major world events that impact travel affordability and perceptions of safety, when many of us do decide to travel, we’re choosing slower, more intentional trips (or “soft travel”) that prioritize mental clarity and restoration. Wellness travel and nature-based escapes are surging in 2026. 

If you’re not into flying out right now, try a nearby digital detox staycation, yoga retreat, or beach visit to disconnect and recalibrate. Spring months (outside of the Spring Break rush) is the perfect time for this because destinations are less crowded, it’s a shoulder season when many hotel and flight rates are cheaper, and the weather is mild.

4. Volunteer for a fun job that you’ve been curious about but hesitant to pursue.

Volunteering in a field you’ve been afraid to pursue is a fun, powerful, low-risk way to explore a new path. You can test drive something without fully committing your time or future income, especially if you’re pivoting into a totally different industry. Job sites often post volunteer opportunities for part-time roles, and there are platforms like Taproot and Idealist where you can find volunteer opportunities with reputable nonprofits and businesses. You can also tap into your network here or local small businesses who might need interns or volunteers to fill operational gaps.

5. Join social fitness apps and gamified challenges.

Apps like Strava and Apple Fitness+ are leaning into social and gamified experiences. Women are participating in spring challenges, sharing progress, and competing with friends. This trend combines community, accountability, and fun, taking your solo workouts up a notch into interactive experiences that feel more like a fun competition than a routine.

6. Add a bit of mystical, scientific, or astrological wonder to your weekend routines.

Look into centuries-old healing practices and tap into a bit of mysticism with modalities like sound baths and astrology. Stargazing will be the preferred way to meditate, and desert landscapes are where you’ll go to find your zen. Cultivating purpose is key to longevity, and you can hone new passions to seek out new ways of understanding yourself and the world at large. Use a stargazing app to learn something new about the planets and stars, or invest in a few fiction or nonfiction books that explore these topics.

7. Plan to attend a spring festival where you can mix business with pleasure.

From business conferences to festivals centered on nature, music, or advocacy, there are major events happening this spring across the nation. If you live in or near a major city, put at least one large- or small-scale event on your calendar between now and June, and commit to attending. It’ll help shake off the winter blues, allow you the chance to network, and awaken a few passions.

Spring isn’t about becoming a completely new person overnight. It’s about creating conditions where your best self can naturally emerge. By aligning your habits with the season’s energy, you can move into this next chapter feeling clearer, lighter, and more in control of your direction.

This article 7 Feel-Good Spring Activities To Transition Into A New Season was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Designing a cost-effective, attractive benefits package requires thoughtful choices and careful navigation of often complex benefit combination rules. Tools like health savings accounts (HSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) are promising options. If you’ve wondered whether you can have an HRA and an HRA at the same time with IRS guidance, here’s what you need to know.

What Is An HSA?

An HSA is a personal savings account designed to help you pay for qualified medical expenses. It’s available only if you are enrolled in a high deductible health plan (HDHP), where:

• Contributions are tax-deductible.
• Your money grows tax-free.
• You can take money out tax-free to pay qualified medical expenses.
• The account is fully portable, even if your situation changes.

This triple tax advantage makes HSAs an appealing long-term strategy, especially since unused funds roll over and can serve as a retirement supplement.

What Is An HRA?

An HRA is an employer-funded benefit that reimburses employees for medical expenses. Unlike HSAs:

• Only employers can contribute.
• Funds do not belong to the employee permanently.
• Reimbursements are tax-free when used for eligible expenses.

Employers decide how much to contribute, which allows you to tailor an HRA to your business needs.

Can You Have An HSA And An HRA At Ahe Same Time, According To IRS Guidance?

The short answer is yes, but with important limitations. You can have both an HSA and an HRA only if the latter is structured in a way that does not interfere with HSA eligibility. 

You may be able to pair an HSA with a:

• Limited-purpose HRA, which covers only dental and vision expenses.
• Post-deductible HRA, which reimburses expenses only after you meet your HDHP deductible.
• Retirement HRA, which is used only after retirement.

You generally cannot contribute to an HSA if you have a standard HRA that reimburses general medical expenses before your deductible is met.

What Are The Advantages Of Combining An HSA And A Compatible HRA?

If set up correctly, this structure contributes to layered financial stability and greater flexibility, enabling you and your employees to:

• Maximize tax efficiency: Use HRA funds first, since they don’t roll over permanently, preserving your HSA for long-term growth.
• Reduce out-of-pocket costs: HRAs can cover specific expenses that might otherwise have to come from the HSA or personal funds.
• Create a strategic safety net: You gain both immediate reimbursement support and a long-term savings vehicle.

For every $1.00 your company spends on health coverage, it gets back $1.47 in employee productivity, retention, and direct medical costs. Investing in a combined HSA and HRA strategy can benefit everyone.

What To Consider Before Combining An HSA And HRA

Your business structure matters because sole proprietors, S-corp owners and partners may have different eligibility rules. HRAs require formal setup and compliance oversight, which adds to the administrative burden. Because the brand funds them, you will need to plan contributions.

It’s wise to choose a firm of administrators that specializes in managing both HSAs and compatible HRAs. According to Taylor Britt — Vice President of Marketing at The Difference Card — “Employers must structure an HRA carefully to avoid unintended consequences.” Working with experts will ensure compliance and avoid IRS penalties.

A Smarter Way To Layer Your Benefits

The most effective approach is often strategic layering. For example:

• Use a limited-purpose HRA to cover dental and vision expenses.
• Continue contributing to your HSA for broader medical costs and long-term savings.
• Let your HSA grow by paying smaller expenses out-of-pocket when possible.

This approach helps stretch every dollar while keeping options open.

Frequently Asked Questions About HSAs And HRAs

This is a complex area. There are some common questions, but seek qualified advice if you are unsure.

What Happens To Unused HRA funds?

Employers decide if funds roll over. Often, they are use-it-or-lose-it within the plan year.

Can My Spouse’s HRA Disqualify My HSA?

Yes. If their general-purpose HRA can reimburse your expenses, you may not be able to contribute.

Are There HSA Contribution Limits?

Yes. The IRS sets annual maximums for individuals and families that are updated periodically.

Making the Right Choice for Your Health Care Benefits Package

Balancing an HSA and an HRA can align your health care strategy with your business and personal goals. With the right setup, it brings immediate financial relief while helping you and your employees build a financial cushion for the future. This combination can offer many advantages, provided you understand the rules and design your benefits intentionally.

This article Double The Benefits? Understanding If You Can Have Both An HSA And An HRA was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Kara Fox did not want to wait. A mom of two, she was frustrated by the fall semester at her children’s traditional private school near Omaha, Nebraska, particularly for her 12-year-old son, Gavin. “He just felt so hopeless already in the second quarter, before the end of the first semester,” said Fox, explaining that the rigidity of a conventional classroom and curriculum weren’t working well for her son, who has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum.

Fox tried to communicate with the school, urging changes and more personalization, but she found the teachers and administrators unresponsive. “They were unbendingly focused on their programs and agenda for fifth graders that they weren’t willing to accommodate for meeting him where he was mentally,” said Fox, who has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and served for over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve.

She began to look for other educational options for Gavin and his younger brother, Gabriel, a second-grader. When she discovered Masterpiece Academy, a K-12 microschool launched in 2022 by former public school teacher Hannah Holguin, Fox knew it was the perfect place for her children. “When I walked in, the environment — the spirit — was just so peaceful and happy,” she recalled. Fox pulled her children out of their private school in December and immediately enrolled them in Masterpiece Academy, where they are technically considered homeschoolers but attend the onsite, half-day program five days a week, surrounded by peers and taught by experienced educators.

Fox is among a growing number of parents who decide to switch their children’s school midyear, something that is becoming easier to do as microschools and related learning models become more widespread, The 74 reports. Unlike many traditional private schools — which typically have set admissions and enrollment cycles, lengthy application processes, and hefty tuition price tags — today’s emerging schooling models are usually low-cost, flexible, and highly personalized. They often have rolling admissions, with students able to enroll throughout the year.

In states with generous school-choice policies that allow a portion of state-allocated education funding to follow families to their preferred learning environments, students can attend these innovative schools for free or with reduced tuition. That’s the case for most of the students enrolled at Creative Minds, a K-12 microschool in Wendell, North Carolina. It was founded in 2024 by Lisa Swinson, a longtime public school teacher who was working at the state Department of Public Instruction when she decided to become an education entrepreneur. “As I was helping people across the state, I knew that I needed to come back home to help local families because I was starting to hear a lot of conversations about people just needing something different,” said Swinson.

She was accepted into the Drexel Fund Founder Program, a one-year paid fellowship to support promising founders launching new schools, with a commitment to serving low-income students. Swinson’s school has grown from 10 students last year to 34 students today, along with three full-time teachers and an instructional assistant.

Creative Minds is a licensed private school with a full-time tuition of $7,600. Ninety percent of Swinson’s families attend with free or reduced tuition using the state’s Opportunity Scholarships, a school-choice program that became universal in 2023, enabling all North Carolina K-12 students to be eligible for private school vouchers. The remaining 10% of Creative Minds students are homeschoolers who attend the microschool three days a week at an annual tuition of $4,900, or full-time students whose parents pay full tuition out of pocket.

Swinson says that more families in her area are looking for alternatives to conventional schooling—both public and private. She welcomed seven new students to Creative Minds this month. “What I hear from parents is that we provide individualized instruction to their students.

“We individualize everything, from choosing electives to how they go about learning to what curriculum to use. Everything is very personalized,” said Swinson, who uses nationally-normed standardized tests to determine a student’s skill level upon enrollment, and then customizes a learning plan based on the child’s needs and interests.

Microschool founders across the U.S. are reporting midyear enrollment boosts, as families switch from conventional schools toward smaller, more personalized learning environments. At Curious and Kind Education in Sarasota, Florida, founder Justine Wilson enrolled five new students this month, bringing her total K-12 enrollment to 70 students. She says that 97% of her students attend her program tuition-free using Florida’s school-choice programs, which became universal in 2023.

Even in states without robust private school choice programs, microschool founders are reporting midyear enrollment boosts. At the Nevada School of Inquiry, a middle school microschool in Las Vegas, co-founder Christina Threeton welcomed several new students this January, as did Amanda Lucas, founder of Lucas Literacy Lab in New Jersey.

Tom Arnett, a senior fellow at the Christensen Institute, has documented why families are attracted to microschools or similar learning models. “Our research shows that many families who switch schools are driven by the reality that school has become a persistently negative experience for their child,” said Arnett, citing a variety of reasons from bullying to boredom. “We also see many families who haven’t switched yet but are actively considering it. Microschools often resonate with these families because they offer a more human-scale environment that reduces friction rather than asking children to endure it.”

If parents and caregivers are dissatisfied with their child’s current school, they don’t need to wait until next year to make a change. The growth of microschooling, alongside the expansion of school-choice policies in many states, makes creative schooling options more abundant and accessible — enabling families to find the learning environment that is the best fit for their kids.

For Kara Fox in Nebraska, the midyear school-switch has been positive for her boys. “It’s much better because they have been able to just relax and be themselves,” she said. Fox encourages more families to consider changing schools sooner rather than later if they aren’t happy. “I wouldn’t wait. I would just do it. It’s so worth it because it’s your kids,” she said.

This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Written by Kerry McDonald.

This article Microschools Are Seeing An Enrollment Surge This Year was originally published on HerAgenda.com

As the workplace descends into a technological overhaul, it’s become the norm for organizations to use multiple software applications, which can make things incredibly overwhelming. Workers use too many tools. They add new apps every time a problem appears. Over time, this creates chaos. Your digital workspace starts slowing you down.

As individuals are rethinking how they engage with the digital space, this is now entering the corporate workspace. Professionals are now auditing their apps, disabling notifications, scheduling screen-free hours, and setting technological boundaries. Some are even adopting analog tools such as physical planners to reduce reliance on the digital space. By doing this, they are finding new ways to protect their time and energy and prioritize using tech with intention.

These changes aren’t just about productivity; they’re about sustainability. Clear systems ensure your workflow flows naturally. When your mind isn’t overwhelmed, creativity and problem-solving become stronger. Digital minimalism isn’t about having less. It’s about having exactly what you need—and nothing that drains your attention.

Practical Ways of Building a Digital Minimalist Work-Culture

1. Reduce Digital Clutter

If your digital system is cluttered, your mind can feel cluttered too. Digital tools can become easily overwhelming if they’re not kept in check, so a clean workspace is essentially towards reducing stress and creating an environment that fosters concentration and efficiency. A few ways to achieve this are by cleaning up your computer, organizing your digital files simply, simplifying your schedule/calendar, reducing the number of tabs open, and, more importantly, evaluating your digital tools to assess their effectiveness and regular usefulness. 

2. Define Your Purpose and Prioritize Tasks

Begin with a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. These values and goals will shape your daily actions, and this clarity will help you to prioritize your tasks. Ask yourself which activities will bring you closer to your objectives and eliminate distractions that dilute your efforts. This focused approach prevents burnout and allows you to complete tasks more effectively.

3. Establish Strong Digital Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries is essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Start by defining your working hours and stick to them. Inform colleagues and clients about your availability, so they know when to reach you. Also, create a dedicated workspace; this physical separation signals to your brain when it’s time to work.

4. Choose Tools and Create Routines Intentionally

Do not collect applications without thinking. The minimalist approach is simple: every tool must serve a clear purpose. Your setup should encourage deep focus. Using only essential tools, one for task management, one for communication, one cloud storage service, one note-taking app, and more as you need them. Similarly, create routines for the things you have to do extremely regularly. Set specific blocks of time to check emails and respond to messages, rather than constantly monitoring them, to minimize distractions and maintain focused, productive work periods.

5. Regularly Review and Adjust The Plan

Periodically assess your digital workspace routine to ensure they remain aligned with your minimalist goals. Then, make adjustments as needed.

Benefits of the Digital Minimalist Work-Culture

Increasing Productivity –  The ironic thing with digital minimalism is that, instead of not getting work done as quickly, the opposite happens: you become far more productive. For example, instead of switching between tools like Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Sketch, Inkscape, or CorelDRAW for design work, choosing just one allows you to streamline your workflow and build deeper expertise in that tool. 

Better Time Management –Many professionals don’t realize how much time is lost to low-value digital habits like doomscrolling and constant notification checks; adopting digital minimalism helps redirect that time toward more meaningful, high-priority work.

Enhancing Decision-Making: With fewer distractions and clearer priorities, making decisions becomes easier and more focused. Minimalism helps you filter out noise and choose what truly aligns with your goals.

Reducing Stress: A crowded workspace and packed schedule can increase stress and anxiety. Embracing minimalist principles creates a more organized, calm environment, which can boost focus, creativity, and overall job satisfaction.

Promoting Mindfulness: Lastly, minimalism encourages intentionality in your actions. By staying present and being deliberate about how you work, you can cultivate a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment

This article Why Digital Minimalism Is The Ultimate Career Power Move was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Some people simply have a natural inclination for running and operating a revenue generating business. There are individuals that spend time studying business in school. While others start businesses out of necessity or simply stumble upon them. Taking a peek into the past, we can quickly learn that several women had to “get it out the mud”. Although these women are entrepreneurs of years past, lessons and strategies can still apply to the modern business.

According to research conducted by Gusto, a technology company, Women account for 49% of new businesses in the last year. This is a large increase in newly formed, women led businesses since 2019. In fact, the increase is 69%. The foundation laid by women of the past, paved the way for successful entrepreneurship for women today.

The ‘Sole’ Of The Shoe Business

Let’s start from the bottom, well the feet. Award winning, Beth Levine, became a legendary designer whose contributions changed the history of shoe design. Often referred to as the First Lady of Shoes, Beth is credited with many innovations that impact fashion to this day. A few of her impressionable creations include:

• clear plastic heels
• the stretch boot with no zipper
• several kitschy creations
• upgrading the stiletto- reinforcing the bottom half of the ultrathin heels with steel
• Spring-o-Lator
• stocking shoe

Beth was committed to quality, innovation and staying modern. No was simply not an option. According to a quote from her daughter, Anna Thomson-Wilson, “My mother was always trying to invent new ways of doing things she just said no is not an answer.”

A few strategies can be learned from the accomplishments of Beth. As a shoe model, she had a first hand experience with fashion, as a woman, she knew what women wear needed, even if it did not exist yet, and lastly, she worked tirelessly to elevate and expound on the experience of wearing a shoe. Business owners of today would be wise to remember to keep their core audience in mind and work to solve a problem, even if others are not aware that the problem exists.

The Heart Of An Era At Least The Home

Next up we have Sarah Goode. Sarah’s patented invention, the cabinet bed, was inspired by her customers. They complained of having small living quarters and the need to maximize space. Sarah listened to the needs of her customers to solve this particular problem. Her design resulted in a rolltop desk for day time use and a pull out bed including mattress and spring support, for the night.

Sarah was not new to the carpentry space. Both her father and her husband were both carpenters. The mastery of carpentry coupled with Sarah’s desire to grow a successful business led her down the path of meeting the needs of her target consumer.

In addition, two key lessons from Sarah’s work can be observed by modern business owners. The first, study your craft/industry. Being a well rounded expert within your business can afford you the opportunity to develop products such as the cabinet bed. Well thought out products can grant you the edge on the competitor. Secondly, listen to the wants and needs of your customers. The majority of people are buying out of necessity. Based on a 2024 survey, consumers said they are prioritizing need based purchase versus buying items they want.

Consider This A Looking Glass

Lessons and strategies from yesterday can still apply to the modern businesses of today. These women entrepreneurs had passion for their business, took the time to listen to their clientele and made business decisions that impacted their customers lives. Their hard work and ingenuity earned them a place in history, I meant herstory.

This article The Revenue Lessons We Can Still Learn From The Original Self-Made Women was originally published on HerAgenda.com

According to Politico, a new wave of women candidates is reshaping the landscape of local politics across the United States, many of whom are mothers. From school boards to city councils, women, particularly younger and more diverse candidates, are stepping into leadership roles at unprecedented levels. 

This shift reflects both growing dissatisfaction with traditional political systems and a recognition that local governance is where meaningful change begins. Organizations supporting first-time candidates report record interest from women seeking to influence policy at the community level.

What was once seen as a secondary political arena is now becoming a critical entry point for a new generation of women leaders determined to make a tangible impact in their communities.

A Surge In First-Time Women Candidates

One of the most notable trends in 2026 is the rise of first-time women candidates entering local races. Many are not career politicians but professionals, educators, healthcare workers, and activists motivated by issues like reproductive rights, education reform, and housing affordability. Their candidacies are often deeply personal, rooted in lived experiences and direct exposure to gaps in public policy.

According to Ballot Ready, more women are running for office than ever before, marking a generational shift in political participation. This influx signals a broader cultural change in how leadership is perceived, with more women seeing themselves as viable candidates rather than outsiders to the political process.

Diversity Is Expanding The Political Pipeline

There are 61 women of color in the 119th Congress, as per the Pew Research Center. Black, Latina, Asian American, and Indigenous women are increasingly running for and winning local offices, helping create leadership that more accurately reflects the demographics of their communities. 

However, women of color still remain largely underrepresented, despite being the fastest-growing group of candidates in local and state elections, per Rutgers. This shift is significant not only for representation but also for policymaking, as diverse leadership often brings new perspectives to issues such as public health, education equity, and economic development.

Grassroots Campaigning Is Redefining Local Politics

Many women candidates are embracing grassroots campaign strategies, relying on small-dollar donations, social media engagement, and community organizing rather than traditional, high-cost fundraising models. This approach allows candidates without established political networks to remain competitive while building stronger, more direct relationships with voters.

Research from the Brennan Center highlights how small-donor fundraising and digital outreach have become increasingly important tools for candidates without institutional backing. These strategies are particularly effective in local elections, where personal connection and visibility often outweigh large campaign budgets. As a result, the pathway to office is becoming more accessible to women from a wider range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Persistent Barriers Still Exist

Despite this progress, women running for office continue to face structural barriers. Fundraising disparities remain a major challenge, as men candidates often have more established donor networks. Additionally, gender bias continues to shape voter perceptions and media coverage.

A 2023 report from the Pew Research Center found that women in politics are still more likely than men to face gender-based criticism and skepticism about their leadership abilities. Many women candidates also encounter heightened scrutiny around their personal lives, including family responsibilities, factors that are less frequently emphasized for their men counterparts. These challenges underscore the ongoing need for systemic change to create a more equitable political environment.

Why Local Office Matters More Than Ever

Local governments control policies that directly impact daily life, including public education, policing, housing, and infrastructure. Yet voter turnout for local elections remains significantly lower than for national races, leaving critical decisions in the hands of a relatively small portion of the population.

The National Civic League emphasizes that strengthening local participation, including increasing the number of women candidates, is essential for a healthier democracy. As more women step into these roles, they are not only filling representation gaps but also encouraging broader civic engagement and accountability at the community level.

This article A Deep Dive Into The Women Running For Local Office In 2026 was originally published on HerAgenda.com

Oftentimes, Black women are not given proper credit for paving the way and breaking down barriers. The contributions of Black women in arenas such as the insurance industry often get glanced over and are never properly documented or acknowledged. This Women’s History Month, we are going to explore the early insurance industry contributions made by Black women, the barriers they overcame, and how the modern industry still models the innovation of the marvelous women of the past.

Maggie Lena Walker

It is only fitting we start with the first African American woman to own a bank! Born to enslaved parents on July 15, 1864 in Richmond, Virginia. Maggie Lena Walker wore several hats that shaped and molded her to become the foremost female business leader in the United States. Working first as a laundress, then after graduation from college, teaching, and shortly after that, publishing a newspaper. It is clear Maggie was on her way to becoming a huge inspiration to the black community. Her advocacy for women’s rights, work supplying mutual aid and communication tactics for spreading awareness of the need of burial benefits were the pillars Maggie used to encourage financial independence. Maggie Lena Walker is known for her contributions to the financial sector and contributions to the banking industry.

Maggie’s fondness for math and accounting inspired her to open the Penny Savings Bank. By 1924 the bank had acquired more than 50,000 members. After consolidating with two other large banks, the Penny Savings Bank was eventually sold in 2005, ending its status as an independent bank.

Minnie Geddings Cox

During the great depression, while many suffered financially, there are pioneers who found ways to prosper. Minnie Geddings Cox is one of those pioneers. Minnie is responsible for growing the third-largest Black owned insurance company. Taking sole control of the business after the death of her husband, Minnie was determined not to be stopped.

At a time when insurance was considered to be designated for men, as they where providers and women should be taken care of, Minnie grew her agency all while training and recruiting women. Through adversity and disapproval during the Jim Crow era, Minnie succeed.

Viola Mitchell Turner

Working on Black Wall street, we have Viola Mitchell Turner. During a time when women could only work in business as secretaries or clerks, Viola managed to work her way up to Vice President of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. During her time climbing the ladder, Viola was a victim of racial and gender discrimination. Through self advocacy and protest, Viola eventually received the equal pay she deserved.

Like today, women are often disregarded in sectors such as finance and trading. During Viola’s tenure at the NCML, she researched, planned and executed a strategy to convert the companies assets to profitable stocks and bonds. Viola has set the bar high for not only women, but the entire life insurance industry.

Ernesta Procope

Given credit for starting one of the first African American companies on Wall Street, E.G. Bowman Company, in 1953. Ernesta’s business was the largest minority-owned insurance brokerage in the U.S.. Ernesta’s journey to success was marked by several historical milestones. One of the most memorable is when red lining caused strife for her African American homeowner clients. Almost 100 for her clients lost coverage. Ernesta knew she had to move swiftly. In an effort to prevent her homeowner clients from losing their homes due to not being insured, Earnesta worked with the Governor of New York to support legislation that mandiagted homeowners insurance be available to all people within the state. With that initiative, the New York State FAIR Plan became the model for plans nationwide. The groundwork Ernesta put in back then, resonates to modern day.

Modern Life Without Pioneers Of Yesterday

The work to spread awareness of the need for financial independence, the advocacy for acquiring financial vehicles to build wealth and the strides in the banking and insurance space was done by Black women building a bridge between the past and modern day. These women placed the bricks that built roads that allow Black Americans to enjoy banking, buy insurance polices and teach others how to do the same.

This article The Financial Legacy Of Black Women In The Early Insurance Industry 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

You made it to Spring!

Welcome to Spring, Air signs! This is a four-part series featuring the zodiac according to their elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. You’re reading part one—Air signs (Aquarius, Libra, and Gemini).

Don’t see your sign?

Check back for Fire (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius), Earth (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn), and Water (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) coming later this week.

Read below to learn what spring’s energy is bringing you according to your zodiac. To get the full picture, make sure you’re reading for your Sun, Moon, and Rising signs! (Not sure what yours are or why they matter? Check out this article on the importance of knowing your Big Three.

Into the spring air we go, Aquarius; Libra; Gemini!

Libra

Ah, Libra, our great harmonizer. This spring may feel a bit lonelier than you’re used to, putting you at a crossroads of decision making. A bit like Leo’s quiet full moon in their sign in January, the full moon in Libra April 1 may have felt a bit different than your usual fare of friendships, connection and conversation.

This isn’t because you’re doing anything wrong, dear Libra, or that you’re on the wrong track – it’s that somehow, you’re still trying to drag people, situations and beliefs along with you on your journey when deep down, you know they cannot join you where you’re going. Free yourself from this maze, dear Libra, and put whatever it is you’ve been carrying down.

You’ve been carrying too much for too long, and the energy of this year simply won’t allow you to move forward with it. Fantasy and dreams are a beautiful thing – but do make sure you’re entertaining your dreams, and not the ones that reveal themselves as other’s expectations.

Gemini

Good news, Gemini! The devil is playing a mad jig in your head this month – but the glorious fact is that in your head is the only place he’s currently thriving. This month, zoom out and take stock of what’s going (or has been going) well for you. The intense energy of the Astrological new year (Aries season) paired with the fire horse energy is making your zippy Gemini brain turn from quick-thinking to frenetic.

Slow down, and take a calm pace. Indulge yourself and make a list of all the great and beautiful things happening for you at this time. And no, I don’t mean a gratitude list, oh flippant one. I mean a real, honest inventory of the actual great accomplishments that you’ve achieved over the winter thus far. The pebble in your shoe is meant to remain just that – a pebble. Don’t let one setback in your sensitive time of year (the anticipation of true spring / summer and your incoming solar return) disrupt your good sense of forward momentum.

Like Aquarius this month, the new moon in Aries and full moon in Libra will be excellent times to get out of your head and into the loving arms of friends.

Aquarius

Aquarius – it feels like you are waiting, waiting, waiting for something to change. But I also want to ask you this: What is it that you’re protecting? In times of great transition – or as it may feel, a deep drive to call transition in, we must always let go of something in order to cross the threshold forwards.

It is important, at this time, that you distinguish what is yours, what was yours, and what is yours no longer. If we carried forward everything from our past into our future, we certainly wouldn’t be able to move with ease!

Allow yourself to recognize that the part of you that wants a different reality might, in fact, be gripping the reins of your current predicament tightly with both hands. Grief is a beautiful thing, and is the first requirement to letting go to usher in the birth of the next chapter of your life. The full moon in Libra on April first may be your first dawning that something does, truly need to change and the current social circle you’re a part of is not going to be the one to push you to do it.

The new moon is in Aries this month – and while not necessarily your favorite partner in crime, it could be the grounded, valuable, and discerning friend you need in order to set your course alight with courage, honesty, and real, raw truth. 

That’s all for this month’s astro forecast, air signs!

If you missed the general energy forecast for spring, you can read that here.

If you’d like to book an astrology reading or Intuitive Coaching session, my books are currently CLOSED, but will open in May, for 10 spots. First come, first serve. Click here if you’d like to be kept in the loop!

This article Q2 Spring Astrology For Aquarius, Libra & Gemini 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