EPISODE 76

Black Women Thriving: Leveraging Connections and Cultural Capital

How can Black women leverage mentorship and sponsorship in white workplaces?

Black women’s advancement in Canadian workplaces is not guaranteed – in fact, it’s often impeded by negative stereotyping and experiences that lead to burnout and “racial battle fatigue.” To find meaning and success, Black women can intentionally build goal-based networks, look outside the box for the right mentoring relationships, and seek sponsors who recognize rather than minimize their cultural capital. Within organizations, being an ally means valuing and supporting this work while recognizing the costs of inaction.

On this episode of Just One Q, Dominique chats with Rochelle Ramathe, DEI strategist and author of Black Faces in White Spaces. They discuss the importance of mentorship and sponsorship for Black women. She emphasizes the difference between the two, and shares how to leverage both when navigating white-centric workspaces.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Rochelle Ramathe

DEI Expert | Author | Black Student Success Specialist | Employee Burnout Speaker

Rochelle Ramathe is a trailblazer in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Born in Alberta Canada, to parents from Jamaica and Barbados, Rochelle’s journey is a testament to the transformational power of cultural understanding.

As a dedicated DEI Strategist, Rochelle thrives on developing innovative strategies that foster diverse, equitable, and inclusive cultures within organizations. With 20 years of experience, she has spearheaded initiatives to drive meaningful change and promote belonging across industries.

As a global speaker, Rochelle has spoken in Jamaica, South Korea, South Africa, the USA and Canada.

Rochelle is also an author, her books, Why My Black Skin Matters, Black Faces in White Spaces: 9 Secrets for Black Women to Thrive in The Workplace, and From D’s to A Master’s Degree: 7 Keys to Success for Black Students, have become manifestos of empowerment, resonating with audiences worldwide.

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