Bonita Stewart - A Blessing: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive

A Blessing: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive

All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in book reviews.

Copyright 2020 Bonita Coleman Stewart and Jacqueline Adams

First edition October 2020

ISBN-13: 978-1-946274-45-8 (Paperback)

978-1-946274-46-5 (ebook)

978-1-946274-47-2 (Hardcover)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2020936645

Photography by Damani Moyd

Makeup by Danielle Waugh, InHerBeautyNY

Jacket design by Omomato

Interior Design by Amit Dey

Website by Fusion Second

Published by Wordeee in the United States, Beacon, New York 2020

Website: www.wordeee.com

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Advance Praise

As a Black female CEO, I have often been called a unicorn in the boardrooms and corporate offices which I frequent. I have always known that Black women are specialBut I have never heard them referred to as Blessingsuntil now. The moment I realized that a group of unicorns is called a blessing, I thought how perfect and powerful a title it is: A Blessing: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive.

Debra L. Lee,Chairman and CEO Emeritus, BET Networks, Board Member of Marriott International, Burberry Group PLC and AT&T Inc., and Chair, Leading Women Defined Foundation

Being invited to the table is not the same as being welcomed at the table, being valued, like you belong is what women of color continue to aspire to in the workplace. A Blessing compels women of color across all generations to action and draws upon the extensive research and personal experiences of Bonita and Jackie. You will benefit greatly from reading it and putting its wisdom into practice.

Melonie Parker,Chief Diversity Officer, Google

We all know the old adage, two heads are better than one. Well, what if the wisdom and experience of two successful Black businesswomen were supplemented, multiplied and shared many times over? It could change our world. That is the empowering vision of Bonita C. Stewart and Jacqueline Adams in this gift of a book.

A Blessing blends scholarly research, personal histories and mother wit to point the way to a flourishing future for women of color in corporate America. Stewart and Adams found that success is rarely a solitary endeavor, but best accomplished with teamwork: learning from and helping others. A Blessing was written for women of color, but its inspiring message can lift us all.

Bill Whitaker,Correspondent, CBS News 60 Minutes

The authors have done their homework. They surveyed women of color in business across the generations to show us the path forwardhow we can team up, serve each other and change the world.

Linda A. Hill,Professor of Business Administration, Faculty Chair, Leadership Initiative, Harvard Business School

Bonita Stewart and Jackie Adams have written a timely and insightful book that will undoubtedly improve and expand opportunities for all, but especially for women of color. They leverage their first-hand experience in breaking barriers to better equip corporate recruiters and candidates alike to ensure the C-suites and halls of political power reflect the fullest range of diverse leaders. Their original research offers a fresh new look at how American competitiveness depends on the robust inclusion of women of color. This book is a thoughtful reminder of how we must consistently focus on empowering the next generation of leaders and creating spaces that recognize the unique and valuable perspective that diverse women bring to private industry, public service and every other sphere of endeavor.

Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick,President, Howard University

Stewarts and Adams insights are a blueprint for surrounding yourself with success by embracing the enormous power of the blessing to prosper and create an atmosphere of abundance, influence and well-being.

Gina Stikes,VP Corporate Communications, Quibi

It is indeed a blessing to have Bonita and Jackie share their stories that serve as beacons to women of color.

Ann M. Fudge,Former Chairman & CEO, Young & Rubicam Brands

A long overdue playbook for teamwork among women of color by two savvy HBS alums who have shattered the glass ceiling.

Henry McGee,Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School and Retired President of HBO Home Entertainment

Bonita Stewart and Jacqueline Adams have answered the call to Black women everywhere to team up and use our special skills, strengths and experiences to take our seat at the table. The knowledge and research in this book provide the blueprint for personal and professional growth designed to create change and success for generations of blessings to come.

Cheryl Mayberry McKissack,President and Co-Owner, Black Opal and Fashion Fair Cosmetics

A Blessing is a book by people and about people who are simultaneously the rarest and most abundant among us. They represent our heart and soul and a definitive piece of the solution to a more fulfilled humanity. I wholeheartedly recommend that this become required reading for anyone who wants to have true, long lasting impact in the world.

Jacques-Philippe Piverger,Co-founder, Ozone Ventures

Harnessing the power of inclusive ambition is paramount for companies to thrive in this decade. A Blessing opens up a new dialogue around the importance of allies and sisterhood.

Stacy Brown-Philpot,CEO, TaskRabbit

T o our ancestors, generations of mothers and fathers whose strength and courage enabled us to thrive, and to future generations of leaders of color to whom we pass the baton.

by

Debra L. Lee, Chairman and CEO Emeritus, BET Networks, Board Member of Marriott International, Burberry Group PLC and AT&T Inc., and Chair, Leading Women Defined Foundation

A s a Black female CEO, I have often been called a unicorn in the boardrooms and corporate offices which I frequent. I have always known that Black women are special. I have hired, worked with and managed them. I have mentored them, convened them and cheered them on in their careers. But I have never heard them referred to as Blessingsuntil now. The moment I realized that a group of unicorns is called a blessing, I thought how perfect and powerful a title it is: A Blessing: Women of Color Teaming Up to Lead, Empower and Thrive.

This book by Bonita Stewart and Jackie Adams shines a light on the qualities which women of color executives bring to any company and how, when we team up and support each other, we can accomplish so much and thrive.