One of the most fulfilling aspects of working with BlackFemaleProject is the ways our work culture embodies the values we emphasize through our programming and communications. We know that the best way to inspire the women in our network to believe in a different kind of work life is to model it ourselves.

All people deserve to have relationships, networks, and workplace environments where they feel comfortable being themselves. For Black women in particular, the importance of identifying spaces where we can show up and add value without dimming or contorting ourselves is vital. As we’re rarely granted the grace to be our full, glorious selves without consequence, BlackFemaleProject curates the spaces we need, and we invite other women to join us in finding refuge.

There seems to always be an abundance of messages coming at us in terms of how we should show up in the world. In this context, where there are perceived rewards for adhering to social expectations and norms, it takes intentional effort to operate from our own centers.