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Kind, Not a Doormat: Why Black Women in Business Must Be Kind and Firm by Niehla O.

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Niehla O. spent over 20 years in the fashion and beauty industry but decided to pivot into an industry that helps people look good on the inside. After a chance encounter with a tasty green hummus blend, a late-night craving led her to begin mixing unique hummus flavors of her own. Her goal is to continue to spread love and hummus throughout our community. As Black women in business, many of us were raised to be nice. We were taught to be respectful, helpful, and accommodating. Those qualities have served us well in many ways. They help us build relationships, create community, and provide exceptional customer service. But somewhere along the way, many of us learned a dangerous lesson: that being nice means saying yes to everything. It doesn’t. There is a difference between being kind and being a pushover. Kindness is treating people with dignity and respect. Firmness is honoring your own dignity and respecting your boundaries. The two can—and should—coexist. How does this relate to y...
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Beyond the Contract: Building Legacy Through Business Growth by Cheryl Monroe

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Cheryl Monroe is a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and serial entrepreneur specializing in government contracting, operations strategy, and business development. As Founder and CEO of CK Management & Consultant Group and The Cleaning Advantage, she helps organizations secure multimillion-dollar contracts, build compliant systems, and scale with confidence. For many entrepreneurs, the first government contract feels like the finish line. After months of registrations, certifications, networking, and proposal submissions, finally receiving an award validates the hard work and sacrifice that went into building the business. But the truth is, the contract is not the destination. It is the beginning of a much larger journey. The businesses that truly succeed are the ones that understand how to turn opportunity into infrastructure, revenue into reinvestment, and growth into long-term legacy. Scaling Requires a Different Mindset Running a small business and scaling a business are two ...
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Are You Leading or Just Leaking Energy? The 4-Part Vitality Audit by Shavonne Reed

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Shavonne Reed is a visionary speaker and author of The Ugly Duckling, dedicated to helping leaders transition from the "hustle" to high-impact harmony. By prioritizing vitality and internal purpose, she empowers high-achieving individuals to edit their professional scripts, protect their capacity, and finally shine as the lead characters of their lives. The Turning Point: Shavonne Reed invites leaders to "Edit the Script" by adopting a Harmony-First Operating Model during her workshop–The Shift from Hustle to Harmony. In the context of leadership, vitality is more than just "having energy." It is a state of being strong, active, and mentally vigorous. It is the fuel that allows you to lead effectively without burning out. But for many women, that fuel is leaking. The hustle uses up your energy until you’re running on fumes. Vitality, however, is about protecting capacity. It’s about making sure your leadership style actually replenishes you because it is ...
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BOSS Founder: Building Community in Challenging Times by Dr. Cameka Smith

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Speaker, investor, and award-winning entrepreneur - these are jus t a few words that describe Dr. Cameka Smith, Founder of The BOSS Network, a community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online engagement, and event-based networking. Working towards one simple goal, BOSS® is “Bringing Out Successful Sisters” to promote and encourage the small business spirit and professional development of women. There’s something powerful about being in a room—or even a virtual space—where women truly see you. Not just for what you do, but for who you are becoming. That has always been the heart behind The BOSS Network. When I started this community, I wasn’t simply building a platform. I was building the kind of ecosystem I knew so many women of color needed—one rooted in access, collaboration, mentorship, and authentic connection. Community building is not about collecting followers or filling seats at events. It’s about creating spaces where peo...
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Side Hustle to Scalable Enterprise: What Happens After You Win the Contract by Cheryl Monroe

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Cheryl Monroe  is a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran and serial entrepreneur specializing in government contracting, operations strategy, and business development. As Founder and CEO of CK Management & Consultant Group and The Cleaning Advantage, she helps organizations secure multimillion-dollar contracts, build compliant systems, and scale with confidence. Many entrepreneurs focus heavily on the process of winning government contracts. Registrations, certifications, networking, and proposal writing become the primary goals. But the real transformation often begins after the contract is awarded. Government contracting is not just about securing revenue—it is about creating the infrastructure for long-term business growth, operational stability, and scalability. For businesses prepared to execute successfully, one contract can become the catalyst that changes everything. The Hidden Power of Contract Readiness Winning a government contract forces businesses to level up opera...
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Maintaining Your Joy When It’s Not Your Turn by Niehla O.

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Niehla O. spent over 20 years in the fashion and beauty industry but decided to pivot into an industry that helps people look good on the inside. After a chance encounter with a tasty green hummus blend, a late-night craving led her to begin mixing unique hummus flavors of her own. Her goal is to continue to spread love and hummus throughout our community. There’s a quiet strength required when you’re in the room… but not the one being called forward. When your name isn’t announced. When the opportunity you prayed for goes to someone else. And yet—you’re still there. Still showing up. Still believing. Still building. Here’s the truth that will carry you: Just because it’s not your turn… doesn’t mean you’re not next. The Blessing of Being in the Room Sometimes we overlook the miracle of access. You’re in rooms you once prayed to enter. You’re having conversations your past self couldn’t imagine. You’re being seen—even when you’re not selected. That’s not small. That’s favor. Being in t...
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Success Without Sacrifice: How I Protect My Mental Health as a Mom and Entrepreneur by Yara Banks

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Yara Banks , MBA, CHRMAP, is the CEO and Principal Consultant of BNX Business Advisors, with over 20 years of experience in HR, leadership, and organizational development. She is an expert in DEI, compliance, and talent management, known for building inclusive cultures, aligning HR strategies with business goals, and delivering impactful training programs that drive growth and performance. Yara also supports businesses in navigating government contracting, including DBE certification and RFP strategy, helping organizations position themselves to compete, win contracts, and  build sustainable revenue streams. I am building a business, raising six children, and protecting my peace on purpose. Let me be honest with you. There is nothing perfectly balanced about being a mom and an entrepreneur. Some days feel powerful. You are closing deals, making decisions, and moving your vision forward. Other days feel like a constant pivot between responsibilities. You are answering emails, check...
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