Women in the Workplace
Hey cuties! Today I’m talking about some tough topics like representation in organizations & how it is tied to marketing mishaps and women empowerment (or lack of) in the work place. Despite all that darkness, this post will be a positive one (I promise) where I share my current corporate girl crush, this gorgeous pink dress & a bit about my experience at the BBMAs with Uber too. So lets do this thing!
It is no secret that we are in a time where consumers care more about businesses they support and the decisions that said company is making. We hold brands more responsible and want to make sure they’re doing right by us as customers and their other business partners. Companies are run by people, and people make mistakes – some of these mistakes are forgivable (at least in my opinion) depending on the changes an organization makes. For me actions speak louder than words, an apology commercial doesn’t move the needle, but organizational and structural changes DO. For these changes, I’m looking for brands who bring new people into their organization who can help to put a brand back on the right track, especially women! Again in my opinion, companies that focus on empowering women both inside and outside their organizations do a better job of being corporately responsible and rebounding from any associated issues. Plus when an organization works to empower women in the work place, in evokes a chain reaction that inspires other young women to step up in their organizations and brings us all one step closer to a more equal environment – YAY!
As an influencer I am obviously compensated by brands to help promote their message or products depending on the collaboration -I would like to stress that I turn down 80% of my offers because I’m really picky about who I work with. But, when a brand is looking to change their tune or make serious changes and wants me to be apart of the solution, I’m all for it – especially when doing so involves empowering women.
Why I work with Uber – I was really late to jump on the Uber train, honestly I liked using yellow cabs because it made me feel like a New Yorker + I LOVE the subway.
However, when I finally decide to give it a try, I naturally fell in love with the convenience and quality.
It’s especially helpful when friends or family come to visit. Soon after my dog
Waffles became paralyzed and I started taking him to the vet / physical therapist twice a week, so I was LIVING in Ubers and loving a lot a bout their services (I shared why
here). Now if you follow me on stories you see me always putting on my make up in a uber, including my drivers in my instagram lives or just chatting with them about Anything!
It is no secret that they have run into some issues – I’ve never personally experienced any, but I do know what’s been going on. Even though I believe in voting with my consumer dollars and investing in companies that way, I continued to use Uber and here’s why. I really appreciate that Uber is interested in improving their organization and becoming better, which I can totally respect. Here’s how:
Diversity in the Boardroom – Bozoma has been a corporate girl crush of mine for like ever. Paris’s sister introduced her to me and ever since I’ve been smitten. Not only has she had like a dream career, she goes beyond that be doing SO MUCH for women, especially queens of color. She’s unapologetic, inspiring, and honestly just bad ass so if you don’t know her, now you do. One of my favorite quotes from her is: I’ve been told that I overshare, sometimes I get criticized for it, but how else would I be if not all of me? — something I can totally relate to. In a world where Women are told how to act, what to be and how much to share, she stays true to herself which is something we often see from bloggers, but not the queens killing it in corporate America. I know I get the honor of being a role model, but honestly I don’t want young girls to look up to me and think I want to be a blogger I want them to grow up thinking I want to be a business women, I want to build a brand, I want to change an organization and all of those are things that having someone like Bozoma Saint John will be able to help promote more than me, and I’m okay with that. Bozoma is now the first chief brand officer at Uber, helps bring new and added diversity to the board room.
Systemic Change – In my opinion Uber is one of the few brands willing to make systemic changes like this, realizing that an apology doesn’t change anything only actual people do. The only way to make change is to bring in new people who will foster that change, and Bozoma is someone who can do that. I’m not saying a switch in employees it will fix all of a companies problems, but its a seriously big step.
“Being present as a black woman – just present – is enough to help exact some of the change that is needed and some that we’re looking for – Bozoma
Being Part of the Solution – In addition to actually making organization changes, Uber has clued me in on conversations. They’ve answered my questions and issues, they’ve proven to me that they’re interested in making a change and excited to have me as part of the solution – which as a influencer and as a customer that is all I could ask for. Again, I don’t expect a brand to be perfect, they’re run by people and people make mistakes. But I do expect a brand to be accountable and make improvements, and if they can empower women like me to be voice and part of those improvements I’m all for it.
Most recently the Uber team invited me to the BBMA’s with some amazing influencers who inspire women, before we close this out I wanted to share them & why they’re SO special to me.
Gabi Fresh – Has been such a powerful force for plus women and women of color since like the dawn of blogging. She speaks her mind and isn’t afraid to show some skin, I’ve gained some serious confidence in myself by watching her shine.
Bonnie Mckee– I actually met Bonnie at the event, but I felt like I had known her for like ever because she’s written some of my favorite girly anthems (like teenaged dream). I love a girl who can be behind the scenes or center stage, plus she’s SO FUN to have next to you at a concert because she rocks out so hard.
Kellie B – This curvy queen is body positive and not shy about it. I can’t imagine how many women she empowers on a daily basis and inspires to love their bodies. SO POWERFUL.
Nersin – I love a queen who can do it all, she captures killer content by photographing serious stars but can also influence on her own. Watch her kill behind and front of the lens on it on
instagram
The Quanns (
Cipriana &
TK) – The only thing better than 1 queen is 2! These serious babes have been such a positive force in the fashion world for curves, curls and confidence. They helped make natural hair SO COOL and have inspired me in countless ways.
Patrick Starrr– Make up is one size fits all and I couldn’t agree more! I feel the same way about COLOR and love everything that Patrick stands for plus he looked KILLER on the red carpet. I mean give me all of his clothes.
MY LOOK: So to the BBMA’s I wore a really pretty sequin dress from Jay Godfrey. I picked it for a few reasons: I didn’t have to wear a bra (
even tho I did end up wearing this), it wouldn’t wrinkle & it was sexier than my usual look, so I thought why not push myself! I flew in just for the day – leaving my house at 4, flying out at 6, landing at 9 am vegas time and going straight to the hotel. I had about 40 min to get ready because of a hotel mix up (you know this if you watch my insta stories) and I thought I was going to do so in the spa bathroom, but got a room last min and just had to rush! Anywho it all worked out (woo) so I rocked a pink dress with teal accents, a rainbow clutch and big ole hair!
FUN FACT – I was on two worst dressed lists for this look LOL but it didn’t bother me at all. I dress different, and its not for everyone. plus I got bashed for twirling & moving on the red carpet but like HOW COULD I NOT!!!! Here’s to being on many more worst dressed lists, wee! Worst dress list one || Worst dress list two
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