By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
Black women are taking the workforce by storm with their growing presence in corporate America and increasing business ownership.
It was reported by JP Morgan Chase that Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs. And though only 39 percent of Black-owned businesses are operated by women compared to 53 percent operated by men, as a pewresearch.org reported, the presence of Black women in professional environments indisputably is on the rise.
As Black women and other women of color (WOC) are beginning to reshape the business world, several organizations are helping support and promote them as they continue to break barriers in the workplace. As part of the AFRO’s observance of Women’s History Month and our profiling of Black women and organizations across the country, we highlight five Ohio-based organizations that are focused on providing WOC with professional opportunities and resources.
- Dress for Success
Dress for Success Columbus is dedicated to helping women achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive at work and in life. Since opening its doors in 2007 in Columbus, it has provided thousands of women with workforce readiness and employment retention programs. Although the organization has a heavy focus on providing women with outfits that flatter them and help them feel prepared for the workforce, they also provide a series of other free programs, including their Career Center, Professional Women’s Group, Women2Women mentoring, and Success InSight Conference. Through these services they’re equipping women with the tools they need for a successful career in a professional work environment, all the while providing them with the opportunity to grow their professional skills and network. As an affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide, they have over 150 sister affiliates in 30 countries around the world. For more information about Dress for Success and to find a location near you, visit: www.dressforsuccess.org.
- Zora’s House
Zora’s House is a Black, women-owned non-profit organization focused on creating a safe space for women and gender-expansive people of color. Founded in 2018 by LC Johnson, the co-working and community space has become a staple in its Columbus community and has even received national attention with their recent appearance on the Kelly Clarkson show. Named after author and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston, the exclusively femme organization serves as a safe haven for WOC where they can foster meaningful and supportive relationships with other women in their community. In addition to this, they provide WOC the opportunity to develop a deeper practice of self-care, resilience and emotional intelligence. Along with their co-working and community space, they offer a series of programs and events centered around helping WOC thrive and succeed such as their Her Way Business Builder, WOC Wealth Builder, Black Feminist High School program and their Leadership Fellows Program. To find out more about Zoras House and the work they’re doing, visit them online at www.zorashouse.com.
- The Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity (WCEO)
Founded in 2013 by Keena M. Smith, the WCEO elevates, equips and empowers Black women and other WOC to access the resources and knowledge needed to create generational wealth and a legacy of economic impact. With a focus on economic equity, inclusion and justice, WCEO serves as an advocate for the elimination of racism and is working to close the racial and gender wealth gap. Through a series of programming and events like their Bubbles and Bags event, Aspire Accelerator Program and the Aspire Business Conference, they’re creating community and providing greater resources for wealth-building to WOC in their community. Visit their website at www.womensceo.org to find out more about their mission.
- Women at Work
The Woman at Work Career Accelerator Program (C.A.P) is the first-of-its kind, cohort-style program created exclusively for women that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the Franklin County community. The 10-week program is targeted towards women who are ready to pursue new and improved job prospects and earn training opportunities for key skills that are needed in the workforce. Throughout the program, participants have the opportunity to utilize a series of professional resources like life and career coaches, social workers, professional headshots, and innovative personality assessments. Upon the completion of the program participants also receive a stipend. The program was launched by OhioMeansJobs, a partner of the American Jobs Center network.
- Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN)
The Black Career Women’s Network is a national organization – with an affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio – that is dedicated to fostering the development and professional growth of Black women in the workplace. Founded by Sherry Sims in 2012, for over a decade the BCWN has been supporting and empowering Black career women by inspiring them to advocate for themselves, lead with distinction and take control of their professional destinies. Through coaching, mentoring, community, signature events and shared experiences, BCWN has been breaking down barriers and amplifying opportunities that ensure Black women are well equipped with the skills they need to excel. To join the BCWN and find out more about their network, visit their website at www.bcwnetwork.com.
