A Message from our Founder
Why a “Black” business networking group?
Newly relocated to Sarasota, Florida, I struggled to get connected to the Black community, other Black business owners and rarely bumped into a Black professional. Having come from a large Midwestern city, I was used to greater numbers of people of color and many organizations to choose from. I met a few African-Americans who quickly became colleagues as well as business alliances, but I was still lacking the broad base of Black business and professional relationships I had enjoyed in a larger metropolitan area.
After pondering the possibilities and a bit of social research I decided to step out on faith and launched the venture in October of 2006. My small circle of Black entrepreneurs and business professionals enthusiastically supported the idea and joined me believing in its potential success. The Black community values recommendations from friends, family and community based organizations. So, I thought why not utilize that grapevine and start a buzz connected to business success and economic empowerment? That buzz ignited a flame - the Black Business Professional Network was born.
As a business owner, trainer/facilitator, and certified diversity practitioner, I have worked with companies throughout the US and abroad. Much of my work involves consulting with the executives on strategies to create inclusive work environments. I help companies understand the negative impacts that exclusion has on the performance of individuals and how that affects their bottom line. When people are systemically deprived of opportunities to fully contribute within any system, our whole society suffers.
Communities like companies have to be purposeful in their efforts for inclusion. That includes the Black community. So often we tend to see each other as competition rather than sources of wisdom, support, and our keys to success. This attitude often leads to the “crabs in a barrel” syndrome. Experiencing this environment over time results in the assumption that in order to “make it” – I must go it alone. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
EMPOWERED QUOTE:
“If you send up a weather vane or put your thumb up in the air every time you want to do something different, to find out what people are going to think about it, you're going to limit yourself. That's a very strange way to live.” — Jessye Norman,
Opera Singer
There is power in numbers and collectively we can support each other’s successes, build stronger alliances and resound with a collective voice to the broader community. We have the potentiona to be a powerful force to be reckoned with. The concept of the Black Business Professional Network grew out of a need, voiced by many to tap into our rich well of Black talent and expertise and have it take its place in the growth and economic opportunities of southwest Florida, nationally and globally. Why a “Black” business networking group? Why not?
I choose four Guiding Principles for the Black Business Professional Network: Leadership, Unity, Knowledge, and Excellence. The four symbols of our logo represent each of these principles and are from the Adrinka the language of the Akan people of Ghana whose history dates back to the 13th Century. An African people who were among the first civilizations to open of trade routes and develop systems of commerce. Join me in reaching back to our ancestors inorder to forge ahead in the continued quest for economic empowerment.
Thanks to the following members of the Founding Advisory Committee who, when asked, without hesitation, stepped up to make the dream of the Black Business Professional Network a reality. They continue to support BBPN through giving their time and talent to insure its success: Dr. Yusef Barnes, Shelli Freeland Eddie, Esq., Traci Hill-Femister, Monique McKenzie, Betsy Nelson, Shavon Reed, Martin Taylor, Melanie Thomas, and Jackie Woods.
DeWanda Smith-Soeder, Founder, President
Black Business Profesional Network
Excerpt - 1st 3rd Thursday Networking Event, October 19, 2006
Black Business
Professional Network
15 Paradise Plaza
Box 335
Sarasota, Florida 34239
941.366.8403
info@blackbusinesspro.com
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