Is there a risk of appearing biased or exclusionary because I specify that I work with high-performing Women of Color in social work leadership? Yes, it is.
Am I concerned about losing potential clients or business partners? No, I’m not. It’s a risk I’m willing to take for three reasons.
(1) I don’t want to form a partnership with anyone who doesn’t understand that there is no such thing as reverse racism and that Women of Color have traditionally been excluded from leadership.
(2) I am not turning away other women or even men who can benefit from my career coaching and want to work with me.
(3) I also offer consulting for nonprofit and for-profit agencies including leadership coaching, employee recruitment and retention, and professional development training.
Now, back to shouting from the rooftops that I am a Social Work Career Coach for high-performing Women of Color in social work leadership. At this point in my life and career, I’m not interested in a debate or participating in oppression comparison.
As a Black woman, I have experienced microaggressions, been accused of things I haven’t done, and been questioned or underestimated in the workplace. I have also seen the same thing play out numerous times in the careers of my Black and Brown sisters.
- I believe that I am called to this work.
- I don’t believe Women of Color enter the social work profession on a level playing field.
- I’ve found that Women of Color don’t always have appropriate resources or a strong professional support system.
- Women of Color are tired because we believed the lie that working harder results in job security and job promotion.
- I believe that Women of Color have experiences that are not recognized or validated by mainstream society.
- I know that I am great at what I do, and I love doing it.
If you are a Woman of Color navigating workplaces not originally designed for your success, that doesn’t acknowledge your contributions, or that simply are unfulfilling, set aside some time to chart your career elevation by registering for a 60-minute Career Activation Strategy Session today.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, ushers high-performing women of color in mid-level social work and human services leadership through promotion to senior leadership. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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