Happy New Year Of Women

Angela Solomon • Jan 07, 2019

It is said last year was the year of women with the full swing of the Women’s March, the #MeToo movement, women in the workplace, gender equality. You name it and women attacked and conquered on so many levels last year. Well, 2019 is definitely keeping that stride going. Last week I posted the Vanity Fair picture of some of the powerful women, who have since been sworn in as members of the 116th session of Congress. The most diverse slate of women ever seen in Congress but put in office to convey and pass laws as it applies to their respective constituents who elected them. Not to mention that regardless of your party affiliation, you have to give props where they are due with Nancy Pelosi, who has been re-elected as Speaker of the House. But, there is something bigger currently at play here – more and more women continue to unapologetically seize this defining moment in history going after the life, career and world they envision. I even dare say this year feminization must continue in politics, the workplace and beyond! Whether it be small or big here 4 quick actions where you can add your personal touch to advancing the women’s movement: 



1) Seize – your moment to make a difference in your life and the greater community by assessing and addressing where you are and where you want to be. Is your job a dead end? Is your relationship old and tired? Is there a part of your life that’s great and the other part not so much? There’s nothing wrong with taking inventory to decide if things are fine where you or in need of an upgrade.  Action is necessary to grow.


2) Step – into the spotlight and advance your agenda. We, women tend to put everything and everyone else in front of us. Many of us are natural nurturers and tend to care for our families, jobs, and communities at the price of ignoring ourselves. It’s time to, as my Nana Mabel would say, “take care of you.”  Self nurturance is so important in order to be that bright light to others.


3) Do – things that feed your passion and ignite your soul. Stop delaying the things you want to do with the things you need to do. Figure out a plan to do both. I understand you may need that 9-to-5 but if catering or makeup excites you, do it as a side hustle until it can become your main hustle.


4) Give – a step toward a world you’d like to see and pass along that great energy. This involves starting women’s empowerment groups, volunteering at women’s organizations, mentoring. Inspire others by using your gifts to pay your own empowerment forward. 


To advance our agenda as women in a global society we must also handle the little things that make our individual selves look and feel better however we define that. We have so much to offer both personally and professionally. Natural change-makers, who births societies let us all continue to voice our concerns, channel our gifts to and push for gender equality, equal pay, workplace change and accountability. It is daily steps you take up to be a part of the bigger picture and make a difference. We are power, we are women, we are 2019!


I am someone who sees incredible potential and opportunity in places where some people don’t think to look, in minority and female candidates, who have been and are still marginalized in the working world. I believe in our interconnectedness as a human race and strive every day to use my gifts to empower great people. I rarely bet on certainty and always root for the underdog because after all, those are the best stories to tell. 

Diversity Recruiting Gone Wrong: Common Mistakes That Perpetuate Racial Bias

By Angela Solomon • 24 Apr, 2024
Diversity and inclusion have become critical priorities for many organizations in the corporate world. However, the methods used to achieve greater diversity in the workforce often fall short, perpetuating racial biases rather than dismantling them. In this post, we'll explore the underlying challenges and propose a more holistic approach to creating truly equitable and inclusive workplaces. The recent New York Times article titled: What Researchers Discovered When They Sent 80,000 Fake Resumes to U.S. Jobs highlights a sobering reality – decades of diversity initiatives have failed to address the persistent racial discrimination in hiring practices. This reveals a fundamental flaw in how many organizations have approached the challenge of diversity and inclusion. Too often, the focus has been on quick-fix solutions, such as setting diversity quotas or hosting one-off training sessions. While these measures may create an illusion of progress, they fail to address the deep-rooted systemic biases that continue to shape hiring decisions and workplace culture. To make meaningful and lasting change, organizations need to take a more comprehensive and sustained approach. This begins with acknowledging the complexity of the problem and recognizing that diversity and inclusion are not just HR concerns, but rather strategic priorities that must be embedded throughout the entire organization. Effective diversity and inclusion initiatives should focus on three key areas: 1. Talent acquisition : Instead of relying on traditional recruitment methods that tend to perpetuate homogeneity, organizations should adopt inclusive hiring practices that actively seek out diverse talent pools. This may involve collaborating with community organizations, investing in employee referral programs, and reducing the reliance on educational pedigree as a primary hiring criterion. 2. Organizational culture : Creating an inclusive work environment requires more than just diversity training. It necessitates a fundamental shift in organizational culture, where diversity is celebrated, and employees from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered to contribute. This may involve implementing mentorship programs, fostering employee resource groups, and ensuring that leadership teams reflect the diversity of the organization. 3. Systemic change : To achieve true equity, organizations must be willing to confront and dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination. This may involve conducting comprehensive pay audits, implementing robust anti-bias policies, and advocating for broader social and legislative changes that promote equity and inclusion. By taking a holistic and sustained approach to diversity and inclusion, organizations can move beyond superficial metrics and create workplaces that truly reflect the rich diversity of the world around them. This not only benefits employees but also strengthens the organization's ability to innovate, problem-solve, and better serve its diverse customer base. The challenge of diversity and inclusion is a complex and persistent one, but with a renewed commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change, organizations can play a pivotal role in building a more just and equitable society. I see incredible potential in places most people don't think to look. As a Black woman and small business owner of a diversity staffing boutique and career coaching service, my team and I walk alongside our clients in creating genuine professional environments for ALL free from bias and discrimination. I believe in our interconnectedness as a human race and strive daily to use my gifts to empower the invisible and powerless. I rarely bet on certainty and always root for the underdog because those are the best stories to tell. Follow me on IG, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn @ HireBlackTalent.

Ask The Recruiter: When Should You Start Looking For Your Next Job Opportunity

By Angela Solomon • 24 Apr, 2024
As a recruiter, I field many questions throughout my workweek—about when is the right time to start looking for a new job. I think the answer is you should always know whats going on in your industry. You should always have a resume and a great elevator pitch because you never know when an opportunity may arise. It's essential to be proactive in your career development rather than waiting until you're unhappy in your current position or faced with unexpected job loss. By staying informed about industry trends and networking regularly, you can position yourself for success when making a move. Remember, it's better to be prepared and not need it than to need it and not be prepared. So here are questions you should be asking yourself: 1) Do I like my resume? 2) Am I satisfied with my pitch? 3) Can I join networks and groups that will advance my career? It's important to stay proactive in your career development by continuously educating yourself, networking, and staying up to date on industry trends. Doing so makes you better prepared to seize opportunities and navigate any potential setbacks. You can always be ready to showcase your skills and experience, as you never know when a potential employer may come knocking. In the fast-paced world of work, being prepared and proactive can make all the difference in advancing your career. I see incredible potential in places most people don't think to look. As a Black woman and small business owner of a diversity staffing boutique and career coaching service, my team and I walk alongside our clients in creating genuine professional environments for ALL. I believe in our interconnectedness as a human race and strive daily to use my gifts to empower the invisible and powerless. I rarely bet on certainty and always root for the underdog because those are the best stories to tell.
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