I apologize for the delay, I was supposed to write this up for last month’s professional development post; however, I was preoccupied with executive orders taking up my life minutes. In December, I had the privilege of attending the Women of Color & Allies Amplifying Equity and Upward Mobility for All event hosted by Positive Steps New York. It was inspiring to be in a room full of women from diverse backgrounds, all focused on becoming better allies, championing the principles of equity, and exploring ways to elevate our careers.
The keynote speaker, Taren Greenridge, shared words that hit deep. She reminded us that, as women of color, we don’t always need to climb the traditional ladder of success. We don’t have to go up; we can go wide. There’s no one coming to save us, no knight in shining armor. But the beauty of it is that we don’t need saving. We are the solution. We are what we need. And as long as we stay grounded in continuous learning, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries for ourselves and each other.
Taren’s words were a call to action: always be learning. Whether it’s new skills, a new perspective, or understanding how we can better serve our communities, the work of learning never stops. It’s a lifelong journey and ours to walk with purpose.
But the event didn’t just feature inspirational words; it was full of practical wisdom, too. The panelists offered advice that really stuck with me. They discussed the significance of creating a family wealth plan. While I understand its importance, I also know enough to recognize that achieving true wealth in this country is nearly impossible for many. But I digress. We were reminded to take charge of our financial futures by budgeting wisely, managing risk through insurance, and having an estate plan to protect what we’ve built. I appreciated that the panelist emphasized the importance of having an estate plan. After all, the one certainty in life is death, so having a plan in place can help ease the burden on your loved ones when that time comes.
Another key point was knowing our worth. We were told to research market salaries and add tax to our value. I learned the importance of this from Upstate’s library director, whom I worked for, and I am glad that she passed on this knowledge to me so that I am not afraid to negotiate my salary. Don’t shortchange yourself. You’re worth every penny and then some. You might even find that there’s more room for growth than you realized.
Raquel Lowry, one of the panelists, also had something to share. She has a line of handbags called Raquel Denise Handbags. Let me tell you, those bags are not only fashionable, they’re a statement. She’s out here creating a legacy and representing for us all.
But perhaps the most touching moment of the event was the recognition of eight amazing women in our community who received the Economic and Upward Mobility Award. These women are not only changing the game, but they are also paving the way for others to follow. What made the experience even sweeter was knowing that half of these women were people I admire and hold dear, two of whom are great friends. To see their hard work, dedication, and impact recognized was a moment of joy and pride I’ll hold onto forever.
At the end of the day, this event reminded us that we rise by lifting each other. Whether learning from one another, celebrating each other’s successes, or sharing knowledge that helps us grow, we’re all in this together. And when we show up for ourselves and each other, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
So, if you’re reading this and you’ve been doubting your worth or wondering if you’re on the right track, I’m here to tell you: You are exactly where you need to be. Keep learning, keep striving, and keep supporting those around you. We are all amplifying equity and upward mobility in our own ways, and together, we’ll keep moving forward.
Until next time, keep shining. ✨
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you been to an event like this before? What’s something you learned recently that’s helped you grow in your personal or professional life? Share your reflections in the comments below! I would love to hear from you!
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