EllevatorFor Black women, professional success often requires navigating unique challenges, from systemic biases to lack of access to the same networks that have propelled others forward. Despite being the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. and holding increasing levels of education, Black women continue to face barriers in career advancement and wealth accumulation.
One of the most powerful tools to counter these challenges is networking and building community. Research consistently shows that women—especially Black women—who cultivate strong professional relationships have greater access to job opportunities, career growth, mentorship, and financial success. Yet, many of us have been conditioned to believe that working twice as hard is the only path to success, often neglecting the value of strategic connections.
In this article, we’ll explore why networking and creating community are critical for Black women’s professional success and how organizations like Ellevator help bridge these gaps.
The Power of Networking: What the Data Says
Networking isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a career strategy backed by data. A LinkedIn study found that 85% of jobs are filled through networking, proving that connections often matter more than qualifications alone.
For Black women, the impact of networking is even more significant:
- Access to Senior Roles: According to McKinsey & Company’s “Women in the Workplace” report, Black women are underrepresented in leadership, with only 4% holding C-suite positions. However, research from Lean In shows that women with a strong sponsor or mentor are more likely to be promoted than those without.
- Entrepreneurial Growth: Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, yet they receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. Strong networks help Black women entrepreneurs access capital, business partnerships, and clients—key components of sustainable business success.
- Salary and Wealth Accumulation: Black women earn only 64 cents for every dollar earned by white men, and networking plays a crucial role in closing wage gaps. A Harvard Business Review study found that people with strong networks negotiate higher salaries and are more likely to learn about high-paying opportunities.
These numbers reinforce a key truth: it’s not just about what you know—it’s about who knows you.
Community as a Career Accelerator
While networking is about forming professional relationships, community is about deeper connections and mutual support. When Black women cultivate professional communities, they create spaces where they can be their authentic selves, share resources, and uplift each other.
1. Emotional and Career Support
Imposter syndrome and workplace isolation are real struggles for many Black women in corporate spaces. A 2023 Women in the Workplace study found that Black women experience the highest rates of microaggressions at work, often leading to stress and burnout.
A strong professional community provides:
- Encouragement during career setbacks
- Safe spaces to discuss workplace challenges
- Shared knowledge on overcoming barriers
2. Mentorship and Sponsorship
Studies show that mentorship increases career advancement by 50%, yet Black women are often left out of informal mentorship circles. Organizations like Ellevator provide structured mentorship programs, ensuring Black women have access to sponsors who advocate for their growth.
3. Business and Financial Growth
For entrepreneurs, community is critical. Black women-owned businesses often face capital and resource gaps, but peer networks can help bridge these gaps by sharing funding opportunities, collaborating on business ventures, and providing referrals.
How to Build Your Network and Community
Many Black women feel uncomfortable with networking, often associating it with transactional relationships. However, networking is simply about building genuine connections that benefit everyone involved.
Here are some practical steps:
1. Join Black Women-Centered Professional Organizations
Organizations like Ellevator, Black Women’s Network, and the National Association of Black Female Executives create spaces for Black women to thrive together. These groups offer:
- Career workshops
- Business funding opportunities
- Leadership training
2. Leverage LinkedIn and Social Media
Many career-changing connections happen online. Follow and engage with industry leaders, join LinkedIn groups focused on Black professionals, and don’t be afraid to send a message to someone whose career inspires you.
3. Seek and Become a Mentor
If you’re early in your career, seek mentorship. If you’re established, offer guidance to the next generation. Reciprocal mentorship—where both parties learn from each other—is a game-changer for Black women.
4. Attend Networking Events and Conferences
Make it a goal to attend at least two industry conferences a year. Events designed for Black women, such as Ellevator’s annual conference, provide opportunities to meet like-minded professionals who can support your journey.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Collective Success
The professional journey for Black women is filled with obstacles, but we don’t have to navigate them alone. By actively networking and building community, we unlock new career opportunities, increase financial success, and support one another in ways that traditional corporate spaces often fail to do.
Ellevator is committed to ensuring that Black women have the tools, networks, and resources to achieve their full potential. Success is not a solo journey—let’s rise together.