It's about time to value young women of color in leadership | Brittany Packnett | TEDxStLouisWomen

Summary

In an inspiring talk, a young Black woman shares her journey as an executive director and the unique challenges faced by women of color in leadership. She reflects on the stereotypes and barriers that hinder their representation in powerful roles while emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity. The speaker calls for society to recognize and uplift women of color, arguing that their leadership benefits everyone. By challenging historical narratives and advocating for equitable opportunities, she inspires the audience to envision a future where all women lead with confidence and impact.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker became an executive director at 27, leading a large team and impacting thousands of students.
• 🌟 Role models, including her parents and historic figures, inspired her confidence and commitment to leadership.
• 🚫 Women of color often face stereotypes that challenge their authority in professional spaces.
• 🔍 There is a significant lack of representation of women of color in executive roles across the education sector and beyond.
• 🗣️ Conversations often shift to personal appearances instead of professional contributions, undermining women's credibility.
• 💰 Women of color earn significantly less than their white counterparts, with black women earning 64 cents to every dollar.
• 👩‍🎓 It is essential to recognize the historical context of women’s rights, particularly for women of color who faced additional barriers.
• 🔥 The speaker advocates for women of color to embrace their identities and leadership without apology.
• 🌍 When women of color are empowered to lead, it benefits society as a whole, addressing broader challenges effectively.
• ✊ The need for systemic change is critical to creating equitable workplaces that value the contributions of women of color.

Q & A

What inspired the speaker to pursue leadership at a young age?

The speaker was inspired by role models who reflected her identity, including her own parents, who fought for justice and encouraged her to defy the odds.

What challenges did the speaker face as a Black woman in a leadership role?

She encountered stereotypes and biases, often being judged based on her appearance and facing situations where her authority was undermined by colleagues.

How does the speaker define the impact of stereotypes on women of color?

Stereotypes restrict and limit women of color, leading to challenges in professional settings where they are often viewed through a narrow lens.

What statistics does the speaker mention regarding women of color in leadership?

The speaker notes that only two out of the 500 CEOs of the largest companies are women of color, highlighting their underrepresentation in leadership roles.

What historical context does the speaker provide regarding women's suffrage?

She points out that while August 18, 1920, is celebrated as the day all women earned the right to vote, Black women in the South did not gain that right for another 45 years.

How does the speaker address the wage gap experienced by women of color?

She corrects the misconception that women make 77 cents to every dollar earned by men, stating that Black women earn 64 cents and Latinas earn 56 cents.

What call to action does the speaker make regarding workplace environments?

The speaker urges for workplaces that value women of color, promote them based on merit, and address economic disparities.

How does the speaker suggest women of color should define their identities?

She advocates for women of color to walk into workplaces as their full, self-defined selves, without minimizing their power for the comfort of others.

What examples does the speaker use to illustrate the importance of women of color in leadership?

She mentions influential figures like Sonia Sotomayor, Maya Lin, and Michelle Obama, emphasizing that their unique contributions are essential to society.

What does the speaker believe is the consequence of not recognizing women of color in leadership?

She warns that failing to acknowledge the contributions of women of color leads to a global loss and prevents society from addressing its toughest challenges.