Voices of Empowerment

Success for everyone: Get inspired by the achievements of everyday underrepresented Americans and find your own path to success.

Rebuilding Trust Against All Odds

Ricardo Hernandez’s Fight for Public Education 

Ricardo Hernandez, CFO of Tucson Unified School District, stepped into a daunting leadership role in 2022, taking on a school district struggling with outdated infrastructure and a complete loss of community trust. With Arizona’s public education system under siege from hostile policies like universal vouchers and charter school expansions, Hernandez led a bold campaign to secure a $500 million bond to turn things around. His leadership style—rooted in humility and engagement—highlights the power of inclusive, community-focused solutions in overcoming systemic barriers. Why You Should Read This: Ricardo Hernandez’s journey is a powerful cast study in how historically underrepresented leaders can turn challenges into opportunities by staying grounded in their values and engaging directly with their communities. Tip: Even in environments dominated by hostile policies, professionals should look to build powerful coalitions that can drive change and reclaim what’s been neglected.

Read more from Billy Yost at Hispanic Executive.

Community Connections

Explore events and networks that empower underrepresented professionals with support and crucial career-advancing opportunities.

Queer Cannabis: Building Community and Making an Impact

As the legal cannabis industry projects $40 billion in revenue for 2024, LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs are carving out spaces in this booming sector with a mission that goes beyond profits. This guide highlights queer-owned dispensaries and brands nationwide that are not only delivering high-quality products but also promoting inclusivity and community empowerment. Tip: Have you ever thought how building community, networking, and cannabis could go hand-in-hand? Consider checking out this article to see if there is a queer-owned Cannabis organization in your area.

Read more from Dana Piccoli at News Is Out.

One More Connection

• Building Community Through Fashion, How Trans Entrepreneurs Are Empowering the Queer Community: Trans entrepreneurs Kylo Freeman (For Them) and Finnegan Shepard (Both&) are redefining what it means to connect with the community through their queer-owned apparel brands. By centering community feedback in product design and creating affirming clothing for trans and nonbinary individuals, they are filling a critical need while fostering spaces of inclusivity and support. They have clothing products like safe and inclusive chest binders and nonbinary-friendly clothing tailored to transmasc bodies. Read more from JL Odom at News is Out.

Policy Spotlight

Stay updated on key policy changes and legislation affecting your workplace rights and opportunities.

Breaking Barriers: North Carolina A&T’s Record-Setting Endowment Growth

North Carolina A&T State University has achieved a historic milestone by growing its endowment to $202 million, the largest among public HBCUs. This achievement, driven by strategic fundraising and overcoming decades of underfunding, shows how historically underrepresented institutions can bridge financial gaps and compete on a national level. As HBCUs continue to face disparities, North Carolina A&T’s story is a testament to the power of long-term planning and targeted investments. When read through the lens of historically underrepresented workers, this article highlights the importance of building financial resilience to secure institutional and personal success.

Read more from Sara Weissman at Inside Higher Ed.

Policy Roundup

• Analyzing the Positive, Equity-Driven Aspects Kamala Harris’ Policy Record: Vice President Kamala Harris has played a key role in advancing policies that directly impact Black communities. From securing $16 billion in funding for HBCUs to capping insulin costs and forgiving $167 billion in student loans, her leadership has led to tangible benefits. As the election draws near, her policy-driven approach continues to focus on creating opportunities for historically marginalized communities while combating systemic barriers. Read more from Jaime Harrison at Word in Black.

• Ohio’s Opioid Settlement Funds Begin Flowing: The OneOhio Recovery Foundation has approved nearly $1 million in grants as part of its first wave of funding aimed at addressing Ohio’s opioid crisis. The grants, focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction, are part of a broader effort to distribute settlement funds from opioid lawsuits across 19 regions in the state. This strategic funding approach ensures that resources are allocated where they are most needed, supporting both local organizations and systemic solutions. As more regions receive funding, this initiative represents a critical step forward in combatting the opioid epidemic and addressing the underlying social and health inequities that contribute to substance use. Read more at The Daily Advocate.

• Rural Communities of Color Lead the Way in Grassroots Healthcare Solutions: As rural hospitals across America face closure and state governments stall on Medicaid expansion, communities of color in these areas are stepping up with grassroots solutions to fill the healthcare gaps. From mobile clinics serving immigrant farmworkers in North Carolina to a locally-led effort that reopened a hospital in Brownsville, Tennessee, these communities aren’t waiting for federal or state intervention. Instead, they’re creating their own systems of care, prioritizing culturally competent services and building trust within their neighborhoods. Tip: For those interested in moving their organizations toward community-centered marketing and expansion projects, this article offers a multitude of ideas and templates. Read more from Kenya Hunter at Capital B News.

• Public Investments in Texas Instruments (TI): Texas Instruments (TI) has successfully lobbied the U.S. government for $1.6 Billion in grants and over $3 Billion in low-interest loans to build semiconductor plants in Sherman, TX and Lehi, UT. The CHIPS Act passed by congress and signed by President Biden gave that Commerce Department $39 Billion to encourage semiconductor manufactures to expand operations around the United States. Federal Grants & Worker Protections Tip: As part of this federal funding, TI is expected to implement equitable hiring practices, prioritize supplier diversity initiatives that include minority-owned businesses, and provide living wages and fair benefits for new job opportunities. If you’re looking for work, consider if your potential (or current) employer has taken on these protections due to federal support. Read more at The NY Times by Madeleine Ngo.

• Employee Ownership, A Grassroots Solution with Big Impact for Economic Equity: While large-scale federal policies like the CHIPS Act aim to stimulate economic growth, grassroots models like employee ownership could offer more impactful, equitable alternatives. Despite accounting for a tiny fraction of the impact investing market, employee ownership funds are growing steadily, providing a pathway for workers—especially those in marginalized communities—to build wealth and retain control over their workplaces. With the potential to democratize business ownership, employee ownership models like ESOPs, cooperatives, and trusts are proving that community-driven economic initiatives can challenge the status quo. For impact investors, this is an area ripe for growth that could shift wealth distribution and empower more communities. Read more from Steve Dubb at Nonprofit Quarterly.

Policy Spotlight Conclusion

Unlocking Ownership Opportunities

Business Models That Empower Historically Underrepresented Leaders

Business ownership is a powerful way to take control of your career and financial future. While many people think entrepreneurship is the only path, there are diverse business ownership models that can offer more balanced and accessible routes to success. From ESOPs that provide substantial wealth-building opportunities to investment ownership that allows for scalable growth, this guide breaks down how to explore ownership options that align with your goals and reduce financial risk. Check out our source material to see why we agree that ESOP expansion should be a policy priority for federal, state, and local governments.

Read more from Darein Burton in Perspectives on Leadership.

Actionable Resources

Empower your career with targeted strategies and tools to overcome systemic barriers and achieve your career and personal goals.

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley seeks Executive Director

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley is seeking an Executive Director and CEO to lead its next chapter of growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive strategic initiatives, foster community connections, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion at a respected cultural institution. With responsibilities ranging from operational oversight to community engagement and fundraising, the ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with a passion for the arts and a commitment to inclusivity. The position comes with a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to make a lasting impact in the museum field.

Find out more on Arts Journal.

One More Resource

• Pottery Barn Expands Accessible Furniture Line for Disabled Consumers: Pottery Barn’s new collaboration with Michael Graves Design brings 29 accessible bedroom furniture pieces that blend style and functionality for people with disabilities. From beds with integrated armrests to dressers with larger pulls and higher ground clearance for wheelchair users, the collection offers practical solutions without sacrificing aesthetics. Available online and in select stores, these items cater to those aging in place or living with disabilities, making everyday living more comfortable and stylish. The collection is part of Pottery Barn’s ongoing commitment to accessible home design, providing consumers with the ability to purchase attractive, disability-friendly furniture. Read more from Shaun Heasley at Disability Scoop.

Cultural Highlights

Celebrate diverse voices and cultural contributions in art, literature, music, and media and be a multicultural smarty pants. 😊

Phylicia Rashad’s Broadway Directorial Debut Explores Black Legacy in “Purpose”

Phylicia Rashad is set to make her Broadway directorial debut with Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose, a family drama that dives deep into Black American politics, faith, and the legacies of radicalism. The play follows the influential Jasper family, whose powerful roles in civil rights and political history are shaken when a surprising guest forces them to confront buried secrets. After a record-breaking run at Steppenwolf Theatre, Purpose is poised to be a cultural milestone when it opens on Broadway in early 2025. With Rashad’s direction and a lineup of Tony-winning talent, this production promises to be a defining moment in contemporary Black theater.

Read more from Monique Jones at Blavity.

Culture Roundup

• Bringing Cambodian Flavors to the Twin Cities with A Growing Food Truck Movement: Cambodian food truck vendors are carving out a unique space in the Twin Cities’ culinary landscape, introducing locals to flavors and dishes less familiar than those from neighboring Southeast Asian cuisines. Entrepreneurs like Kathy Roeun of Khmer Cuisine and Chamnap Nay of Mrs. Eggroll are serving up traditional dishes like lemongrass beef and creative spins on egg rolls, while Hannah Peterson’s Shoo-Ga Cane Juice Bar brings refreshing sugarcane-based beverages to the community. These vendors are not just selling food; they’re sharing the rich cultural heritage of Cambodia with a broader audience, helping to diversify the food scene and spark curiosity about their cuisine. Read more from Amirah Razman and Dymanh Chhoun on these mouth watering cuisines via Sahan Journal.

• Gene Simmons: From Immigrant to Icon—The Cultural and Business Legacy of a Rock Legend: Gene Simmons, co-founder of KISS, has built an empire that spans music business and entertainment, turning a modest upbringing in Israel into a $400 million fortune. Known for his on-stage persona as “The Demon,” Simmons has also made major business moves, including licensing over 5,000 KISS products and selling the band’s catalog and branding rights for $300 million. His diverse background as a former teacher, editorial assistant, and immigrant gives a template for many Americans from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Beyond music, Simmons’ ventures include reality TV, book publishing, and investments in cannabis and restaurant chains, proving that cultural influence can translate into multi-faceted business success. Read more from Hayley Hynes at Blavity.