The Mended Rung February Newsletter

The Mended Rung: February Newsletter

Black History Month: Honoring Black Women Executives

Dear Climbers,

As Black History Month draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to honor the remarkable Black women executives who are actively making history in corporate America today. Diversity Woman Media's "Elite 100 Black Women Leaders" list celebrates visionaries like Rosalind Brewer, former CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance; Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA; and Ursula Burns, who made history as the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. These pioneering women serve in C-suite positions, as presidents, and as board members across major corporations, breaking barriers despite facing dual challenges of gender and racial bias.

What makes these leaders truly exceptional goes beyond their individual success stories. Many have dedicated themselves to creating pathways for other women of color through mentorship programs, leadership initiatives, and advocacy for more inclusive practices. Their approaches often emphasize collaboration, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven strategies that lead to more innovative and resilient organizations. By serving on non-profit boards, establishing scholarships, and supporting programs for young girls of color, these executives ensure their achievements translate into opportunities for future generations.

As we conclude Black History Month, we recognize that these women's accomplishments deserve celebration year-round. Their persistence, excellence, and vision remind us that Black history is being made every day in boardrooms and executive offices across the country. We encourage you to learn more about these inspirational leaders through the complete Elite 100 list at (https://www.diversitywoman.com/elite-100-black-women-are-setting-the-pace/). Who are the Black women executives you admire in your industry? Share their stories with us as we continue highlighting diverse leadership throughout the year—because these women aren't just making history in February, they're changing the future every day.

With Pride in my heart,
Felicia Smith
Founder & Chairperson
The Climb

Fact Forward

Risk with Reward

Research from Fortune reveals what many of us at The Climb have experienced firsthand—Black women are taking bold career risks that redefine leadership paths. This eye-opening article explores how we're not just navigating broken ladders but building our own elevators to the C-suite. When traditional advancement routes fail us, we're responding with strategic career pivots, entrepreneurial ventures, and fearless moves between industries. As someone committed to increasing women of color in leadership, I found the resilience documented in this research deeply affirming. What resonated most was learning how these calculated risks—which might appear risky to outsiders—actually demonstrate our exceptional strategic thinking and confidence. I encourage every woman in our community to read this article and recognize that what others might call "risky moves" are often our most powerful path to breaking glass ceilings and creating lasting change in corporate America

Read Here

The path to leadership isn't the same for everyone—and we see you. The Climb is dedicated to equipping women of color with the tools, connections, and confidence to rise. And the best part? Membership is completely FREE.

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Felicia