What’s in Perspectives for progress this week?

Hello Progressives, I hope your week is off to a solid start. As you can see from the summary, this week is packed full of tangible analysis and examples to help us—historically underrepresented workers—beat the odds.

In order to continue to provide the kind of ideas and support we need to build community, Perspectives for Progress needs to know a little more about all of you. We know you love being asked to fill out surveys **said sarcastically** but this one is different. It’s about helping us write the information that can advance your career and our community.

3 minutes tops.

Success isn't defined by billionaires. For most of us, success looks different. Discover what you can learn from the achievements of everyday historically underrepresented Americans, and find inspiration for your own career journey.

Blavity’s Marti Bowser wrote a fantastic Q&A with Stormi Steele's success with Canvas Beauty. In it, Steele highlights the transformative power of social media for underrepresented professionals. By leveraging TikTok’s algorithm and embracing authentic storytelling, Steele scaled her business from six to 60 employees in just six months, moving from the kitchen at her house to full-scale production and reaching $6 million in monthly sales. This growth underscores the importance of engaging with your community, using user-generated content, and staying true to your brand’s mission.

@canvasbeautybrand

@idcccc_domi wonderfully done did sis ✨🫶🏾

Meet Faye Iosotaluno, Tinder’s new CEO and the first Asian American to lead the company. Faye’s journey from investment banking to tech leadership is a testament to breaking barriers and driving innovation. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of diverse experiences and strategic thinking. Discover how Faye plans to take Tinder to new heights and what her appointment means for underrepresented professionals.

Highlighting the unique political and policy conversations that directly effect the career of historically underrepresented workers.

The fight over politics, policy, and equity is spilling over into the careers of historically marginalized workers. How you ask? That is why we write Perspectives for Progress… 

Whether you're in DEI, entrepreneurship, education, or tech, the backlash to DEI and Critical Race Theory writ large is having a tangible effect. Merdie Nzanga of The 19^th reports that a conservative activist is suing The Fearless Fund because its goal is to close the funding gap for Black Women. Black women make up about 6.3% of the United States population yet received 0.35% of venture capital funding, a representational gap of 94%. A negative ruling on this issue could send shockwaves through an already broken system affecting all sorts of programs for historically underrepresented communities.

Sources: (PitchBook)​​ (Carta)​​ (DemandSage)​.

*Some communties including Native Communities register as a such a small percentage that they are not shown. See last week’s newsletter for information on efforts to boost Native capital.

The current backlash against DEI initiatives is part of a 170-year-old post-slavery cycle of racial advancement and retrenchment, as described by Jenice Rochelle Robinson in the New York Amsterdam News. Racial equity threatens the economic status quo and figures like Lee Atwater in the past, and Christopher Rufo today, pull together wealthy donors, conservative think-tanks, and activists to specifically target historically underrepresented workers.

This historical context helps us understand the present challenges faced by DEI professionals[DB1] , entrepreneurs, and all historically underrepresented communities in this moment. To make this all the more clear, look no further than AsAm News report that the University of North Carolina is diverting DEI budget to police.

Remember that these issues, especially lawsuits and public rhetoric, have a chilling effect on all underrepresented professionals; sometimes visible and sometimes invisible. The management workforce in America is 89% white while whites are only 68.17% of the US population. This means an overrepresentation of 30.5%. On top of that, a National Bureau of Economic Research study shows that there is overrepresentation of self-identified republicans [DB1] in the C-Suite, one study shows that 69% of executives identify as Republican which is already overwhelmingly 88.9% male.

This means that the people who often control hiring, firing, and contracting at large enterprises are more prone to overreactions from conservative pressure, no matter how irrational. This pressure can cause people to avoid “diversity hires” affecting your job prospects, lead to cuts in DEI-related positions, and shift workplace language and understanding in ways that harm historically underrepresented workers.

But we must thrive, not just survive. And to do that, we have 5 ideas:

1. Stay Informed and Educated: Read the articles we’ve highlighted here (and highlight every week) to keep up with current DEI trends and understand the historical context.

2. Build a Financial Network That Is Strong and Diverse: Be entrepreneurial about your networking, no matter your career. Develop connections with mentors, sponsors, and peers across different sectors to create a robust support system.

3. Put Your Personal Resilience First: Prioritize your mental and physical well-being to navigate challenges effectively. Practice self-care and seek support when needed.

4. Advocate for Others…AND Yourself: Stand up for your rights and those of your peers. Engage in advocacy efforts and use your voice to influence change. According to a cited by National Academies, when you bring bias up and make people conscious, bias is reduced.

5. Sharpen Your Communication: Combat perceptions and bring biases to the surface by refining your communication skills. Articulate the benefits of DEI and challenge misconceptions proactively.

Empower yourself with targeted strategies and tools designed to help you overcome systemic barriers in your career and personal life. This section provides practical advice for advocacy, negotiation, and professional growth, equipping you with the resources you need to level the playing field and achieve your goals.

A Note:

While the resources are categorized by specific professional groups, many of them are valuable for all historically underrepresented professionals. Feel free to explore and utilize any resource that resonates with your needs and career goals.

DEI is under attack from powerful, monied interests. It's always good to sharpen your communication skills to combat harmful messages and confront bias head-on. In addition to our newsletter, you can use these resources to fortify your communication, build stronger arguments, and advocate for inclusive practices:

• Race Forward: Use Race Forward's research, media, and practice tools to build and strengthen your strategies for racial justice. Equip yourself with the knowledge to counteract opposition and drive impactful change. Learn More

• The Management Center: Enhance your leadership skills and run effective organizations amidst increasing challenges. Get training and coaching tailored for social justice leaders to lead with confidence and effectiveness. Discover More

A National Bureau of Economic Research study shows that political polarization in Executive suites is increasing. Make sure you consider this when looking for new roles or contracts. How might you take this into account when you’re networking, for example?

Entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented backgrounds face significant funding gaps. Use these resources to secure support and grow your business:

• The Fearless Fund: Secure the support you need with this venture capital fund designed for women of color-led businesses. Access funding opportunities to scale your business and overcome financial barriers. Explore Opportunities

• Backstage Capital: Gain access to funding and mentorship specifically for women, people of color, and LGBTQ entrepreneurs. Leverage this support to propel your startup and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Find Out More

• Digitalundivided: Join a community focused on supporting Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs through education and resources. Empower yourself with knowledge and tools to innovate and succeed. Join the Community

Nonprofits need robust strategies and funding to thrive. Use these resources to strengthen your grant applications and secure essential support:

• Foundation Center by Candid: Access comprehensive data and resources on nonprofit funding and grants. Utilize this information to identify funding opportunities and develop effective grant proposals. Get Started

• GrantStation: Find grant opportunities and enhance your grant writing skills with this valuable tool. Increase your nonprofit’s chances of securing funding by utilizing GrantStation’s resources. Learn More

Tech professionals from historically underrepresented groups need inclusive networks. Use these resources to connect, grow, and thrive in your tech career:

• Out in Tech: Connect with a community offering networking, mentoring, and job opportunities for LGBTQ tech professionals. Utilize this network to find support and advance your career in tech. Join Now

• Lesbians Who Tech & Allies: Network and advance your career with this supportive community of LGBTQ women, non-binary, and trans individuals in tech. Access events, resources, and opportunities tailored to your needs. Learn More

• Blacks in Technology (BIT): Access resources, networking, and career development opportunities designed to help Black tech professionals thrive. Join the movement to break barriers and succeed in the tech industry. Join the Movement