She taught me the importance of creating REAL space for Black Women to rest, rejuvenate and rub elbows and shoulders with other women in the Non-profit leadership space.

BlackFemaleProject exists because of one particular Black woman, Precious J. Stroud. We’re sharing a very special reflection about the impact she’s had on those of us who have the honor of working alongside her.

“When we worked together, Dr. Rachelle Rogers-Ard led our staff in becoming Values Ambassadors and I always knew a day with Rachelle was not a day to be wasted…”

In addition to a remarkable teaching career in the East Bay through pivotal times in our nation’s history, Mrs. Fern E. Stroud raised daughters who went on to carry forward her legacy of service. There would be no BlackFemaleProject without Mrs. Stroud!

Where there are elders in your corner, lean in and listen.

My advice for young Black women is try a new thing: hair style, book, place to travel, food, form of movement, friends to spend time with (or not). This is a small way of caring for yourself and growing into your womanhood.

Do not put limits on yourself. Who you are and what you believe matters.

Precious taught me the importance of lifting up young sisters and the power of mentorship. Precious was my first mentor post-undergrad and she continues to support me over a decade later. Because of Precious, I have developed many young leaders and will continue to do so as I grow in my career…

“…she always said to me, ‘Make sure you feel it in your body,’ ‘Allow it to get into your body,’ or asked, ‘Can you feel it in your body?’ Although in context she was teaching me the art of dance and hearing drum rhythms, her statements resonated throughout my life on a personal and professional level.”

“She helped me see my inner wisdom and understand that my body is a great source of knowledge. When I am still and listen to my body, I am always clear about what to do next. At the start of each day, I make space to sit quietly and listen to my body.”