Amber Coleman-Mortley

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EGA President and CEO, Tamara Toles O'Laughlin issues statement in response to the Fearless Fund matter: “On Monday, the U.S. federal court of appeals ordered the suspension of the Fearless Foundation’s Strivers Grant Fund for Black female entrepreneurs on the basis of a claim of racial discrimination. The Fearless decision relies on blatant revision of the historical context of Section 1981 of the 1866 Civil Rights Act, and erases present day impacts of a defensive law by giving legal weight to criticism by a few about the rights of the many. This matter comes on the heels of recent rulings with generational malice and pretends a reasoned result could come from wordplay meant to disguise prejudice, plain and simple.   In the face of an increasingly hostile environment for care, EGA reaffirms our support for the humanization of racialized communities as necessary partners in civil society. EGA is committed to the enabling conditions of a just transition for people and planet. And we are here to support our members in a practice of solidarity in grantmaking that addresses the root causes of environmental injustice, today for tomorrow. “ Read the full statement by EGA President and CEO, Tamara Toles O'Laughlin here: https://lnkd.in/ev3NNkyu

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As Passover begins this evening, let's take a moment to reflect on the executive PR insights we can learn from Moses, dubbed God's spokesperson. Moses' life and role in leading the ancient Hebrews from slavery to freedom delineates several important teachings that can still be applied today. Moses, chosen by God, was adorned with unmatched authority and credibility, traits that magnify the message's impact and enhance its acceptance. Despite having a speech impediment, Moses conveyed the Almighty's demands with clarity and impact, proving the effectiveness of a spokesperson's communication skills in carrying key information to an audience and stakeholders. Consistently articulating God's important communications, needed for gaining the Israelites' trust, Moses demonstrated the importance of good messaging in building credibility and fortifying an organization's reputation. As we know from the Old Testament, faced with countless challenges and criticisms, Moses stood firm, qualities especially needed during crisis management. And let's not forget branding: Moses' portrayal of God shaped how the Israelites viewed their divine connection, similarly, spokespeople must depict a brand or organization to manage public perception and overall image. Happy Passover to all celebrating! Let's take inspiration from Moses and apply his leadership and communication lessons to our professional lives. #PR #PublicRelations #Moses #Spokesperson #Communication #Credibility #Authority #MessageConsistency #HandlingChallenges #Representation #BrandReputation #CrisisManagement #Leadership #Professionalism #BrandCommunication #Storytelling #Influence #PerceptionManagement #Passover #BusinessInsights #LeadershipLessons

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Support STEM Atlanta Women, Inc. "STEM in the Metaverse" Program! Help Us Empower the Next Generation of Women in Tech! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our "STEM in the Metaverse" program at STEM Atlanta Women, Inc. a groundbreaking initiative designed to immerse young girls in the thrilling world of technology through virtual reality. To make this vision a reality, we need your help! Our Goal: We are seeking donations of (30 Meta Quest 3 Headsets) to provide these young minds with the tools they need to explore, learn, and innovate within the metaverse. Why This Program Matters: Inspiring Future Leaders: By providing access to cutting-edge #VR technology, we can inspire girls to pursue careers in STEM fields, closing the gender gap and fostering a more inclusive tech industry. Hands-On Learning: #VR headsets will allow girls to engage in interactive, hands-on learning experiences that bring complex STEM concepts to life in a fun and engaging way. Building Confidence: Exposure to #VR technology helps build confidence and competence in using advanced tech tools, preparing these young women for future success in an increasingly digital world. Why Support Us? Diversity and Inclusion: Your support helps promote diversity and inclusion in tech, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the creation of our digital future. Economic Growth: Investing in #STEM education for girls is investing in the future workforce, driving economic growth and innovation. Global Impact: Our program has the potential to impact girls not just in Atlanta, but globally, as we create a scalable model for #STEM education in the Metaverse. How You Can Help: Donate Meta Quest 3 VR Headsets to our program and be a part of a transformative journey for these young women. Your contribution will have a lasting impact on their lives and the future of technology. Interested in making a donation or learning more? Please contact us at Maxine@stematlantawomen.org or visit our website at https://lnkd.in/dSPpT2Z Together, we can empower the next generation of women in tech and create a brighter, more inclusive future. Thank you for your support!   #STEMAtlantaWomen #STEMintheMetaverse #WomenInTech #VR #Metaquest3 #DiversityInTech #SupportSTEM #FutureInnovators

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NASCIO State Technology Innovator Award: Celebrate Tech Leadership! Recognize unsung state tech heroes! Nominate for the #NASCIO24 State Technology Innovator Award. 🗓️ Deadline: June 21! Nominees: State government employees only! (sorry...no State CIOs, elected officials, or contract employees) Submit: Only NASCIO state and corporate member organizations can nominate. Guidelines: Leadership & Advocacy: Share their efforts in advancing tech policy. Transformational Impact: How have they changed IT? Top Priorities: Contributions should align with NASCIO’s Top Ten Priorities. Independence: Work should be free of product, platform, or supplier bias. Emerging Tech & Service: Highlight new tech adoption and citizen impact.

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How do you maximize your network to accomplish your goals? This years cohort for the PAALDF was posed this same question in a recent virtual session. The Urban League of Philadelphia appreciates the active and engaged network and community we are building on and offline. It is because of our network that we can continue to accomplish the good work we do each day as an organization. So how do you maximize your network to accomplish your goals? Thanks TriZen, LLC for facilitating this Leadership Forum and such a powerful session! #AfricanAmericanLeadership #BlackLeaders #NonProfitLeaders #Networking #PhillyLeaders

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Reflecting on the profound impact of the pandemic on small businesses, Shauniece Wallace's journey exemplifies resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. However, through initiatives like the Open for Business Fund from @Wells Fargo, she found a lifeline, enabling her not only to weather the storm but to thrive. There's a glimmer of hope seen in the significant growth of Black/African American women's small businesses, as highlighted in the 2024 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report. #SmallBusiness #DiversityandInclusion #Entrepreneurship #blackwomen

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Freedom to Learn #MicDrop Moment: Sylvia Cyrus, Executive Director of The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), shares activation tips to mobilize communities because “this is not just happening in Florida, it’s happening across the nation…if it’s not us who, if it’s not now, when?” https://lnkd.in/e8N7rsa8  #FreedomToLearn #FreedomSummer2024 

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PNC And Howard University Are Shaping The Future Of Black Entrepreneurship The collaboration supports scholarships, grant programs, and educational initiatives specifically designed to empower aspiring Black entrepreneurs. Contributing over $206 billion annually to the economy and supporting 3.56 million American jobs, companies like Calendly, SheaMoisture, and Esusu Financial are among over 100 Black-owned startups that have achieved unicorn status with over $1 billion-plus valuations. Multi-million-dollar acquisitions like Compass Diversified’s purchase of The Honey Pot underscore the growing economic power of Black-owned companies. While headlines celebrate these successes—as they should—they remain exceptions rather than the norm. Despite the surge in Black entrepreneurship, significant funding gaps persist, with approximately 71% of Black-owned startups denied VC funding compared to only 12% of their white-owned counterparts. Assessing success through the lens of oppressive historical context can skew perspective. Surpassing benchmarks set under discriminatory conditions is a flawed measure demanding broader evaluation. In comparison, only 1% of Black business owners are able to obtain loans during their founding year, compared to 7% of white business owners. Federal Reserve data shows that loan applications from Black business owners are rejected at more than twice the rate of their white peers, and even when they do secure loans, they face higher interest rates averaging 7.8% compared to 6.4% for their white counterparts. These funding disparities paint a troubling picture beneath the surface of celebrated Black business growth.

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Uncover the growth strategies of Maryland Community Church, one of the nation's fastest-growing churches! Join us as we analyze their exceptional website photography and its impact on their success. Learn how to leverage visuals to enhance your church's online presence and engage your community. Ready to elevate your digital strategy? How about sharing your insights on church website photography and connecting with fellow church leaders in the comments! #ChurchGrowth #MarylandCommunityChurch #WebsitePhotography

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124th National Black Business Conference Returns to Atlanta “We Are Together” Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the World Conference of Mayors. The National Alliance for Black Business (2022), co-founded by The National Business League ® (1900), National Black Chamber of Commerce ® (1993), and The World Conference of Mayors ® (1984), is thrilled to cohost the NBL’s 124th National Black Business Conference ®. Set to take place from August 21-24, 2024, at the Hilton Atlanta in downtown Atlanta, GA, this highly anticipated event coincides with Atlanta Black Business Weekend ™, promising an exhilarating gathering of the nation’s foremost Black business leaders and community luminaries.   Building upon the success of last year's conference, which commemorated the 30th Anniversary of the National Black Chamber of Commerce founded in 1993 and drew over 1,900 attendees, this year's event holds special significance as it celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the World Conference of Mayors. Established in 1984, The World Conference of Mayors serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Black Mayoral leadership and economic empowerment within Black communities worldwide. This year marks a significant milestone, as it pays homage to 50 years since the Southern Conference of Black Mayors held its inaugural National Conference at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel. Notably, Daniel "Chappy" James, the first four-star Black general in the Air Force and a Tuskegee airman, served as keynote speaker, setting the stage for the remarkable journey of Black elected leadership in the years to come. The conference agenda will spotlight the profound impact of Black mayors in fostering entrepreneurship, economic development, and community growth, echoing the visionary principles championed by Booker T. Washington. In 1881, Lewis Adams (Town) and Booker T. Washington (Gown) joined forces to establish Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, now known as Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. This institution was surrounded by a historic Black settlement, conceived by Dr. Washington, which, though never formally incorporated, was assigned its own zip code: 36088. This collaboration between "Town" and "Gown" laid the groundwork for further partnerships in central Alabama.   Anticipated to attract hundreds of Black-owned businesses, professionals, and elected officials from around the globe, the conference will serve as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and forging strategic partnerships with city, state, national, federal, and global resources, and leadership. The event is hosted by local, Black-led business institutions, including the Atlanta Business League, Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council. Join us as we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Black entrepreneurship at the 124th National Black Business Conference in Atlanta! Register Today: https://lnkd.in/eE5Did8a

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I've been a member of Women's Media Group for over two years now and have found so much value in their events. The one below - coming up later this week - is sure to follow suit. I hope you're able to join in and would love to hear your takeaways if you do! #womeninmedia #hbcumade #hbcualumni #womeninpublishing #publishing #publicrelations #bookpromotion #bookmarketing

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Monique T. Marshall and Rodney Williams explore alternative funding paths for Black-owned businesses beyond venture capital in today's Black to Business podcast. They discuss the unique challenges Black entrepreneurs face in securing traditional funding and highlight practical strategies, including community finance platforms and socially-minded investors, all while providing a roadmap for achieving financial autonomy and success. How are you exploring new funding opportunities for your business? https://lnkd.in/gjK5-rEN

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Following the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, many activists called for greater investments toward racial equity, especially in businesses, to build Black wealth and narrow the racial wealth gap. Private and public investors listened. As of October of 2022, companies pledged about $340 billion toward racial equity efforts. However, in the wake of persistent legal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, there have been a spate of court cases across the U.S. in which litigators are challenging race-based business investment programs, including cases against the Small Business Association’s 8(a) program and the venture capital firm, The Fearless Fund. On June 21, Brookings Metro, in collaboration with the Path to 15|55 initiative, which endeavors to grow the percentage of Black-owned employer firms, will host an event to discuss what this proliferation of litigation means for Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurship. Senior Fellow Andre Perry will present new data that demonstrates the opportunity in bolstering Black-owned businesses to drive economic development. Then, CapEQ President and CEO Tynesia Boyea-Robinson will moderate a dynamic panel to dive deeper into these challenges and discuss how policymakers and the philanthropic sector should respond to these attacks to keep Black businesses growing in a dynamically changing legal environment.

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🚨 Important Read: The Fearless Fund, a resource for Black entrepreneurs, has been barred from providing funding due to recent changes. This development is alarming and highlights the need for us to stay proactive in supporting #minorityownedbusinesses. Full article below https://lnkd.in/gUuPGSCn

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This is such a beautiful feature..  https://lnkd.in/eqfNrDHD

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