As a Black woman in the professional financial field, I’ve often found myself as the only one who looks like me in the room. Breaking barriers for myself hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve learned that empowerment isn’t just about personal success—it’s about creating opportunities for others. For me, empowering women and girls is a deeply personal mission, especially as a single Black mother raising my son.
My son is my motivation and a constant reminder of why we need to keep fighting for equality and representation in every space. The journey to empowerment is not one I walk alone—it’s a collective effort we must all be part of.
Education: The First Step Toward Empowerment
Education is the foundation of empowerment, but millions of girls—especially girls of color—face significant barriers to access. According to UNESCO, 130 million girls are out of school globally. These obstacles are even more pronounced for Black girls, who often face financial, social, and cultural challenges that limit their opportunities.
However, education is power. It was through education that I broke free from limitations and built a career in finance, a field where women of color are still underrepresented. With the right education, girls can see beyond their circumstances and create their own future.
Programs like Dream It, Be It are crucial in helping girls explore their career paths and offering mentorship. These initiatives provide the confidence and resources girls need to pursue their dreams—regardless of race or gender. I want my son to grow up in a world where every girl has equal access to opportunities and where no dream is out of reach.
Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling
As a Black woman in finance, breaking into leadership roles has been a challenging journey. Women, especially women of color, are still vastly underrepresented in positions of power. McKinsey & Company reports that women hold only 28% of leadership roles in corporate settings, and even fewer are women of color. This disparity sends a powerful message that women—especially Black women—don’t belong in positions of leadership.
But here’s the truth: Black women belong everywhere—at the table, in the boardroom, and in positions of power. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about breaking barriers and creating pathways for those who have been overlooked.
Programs like the Live Your Dream Awards are critical for helping women, especially Black women, access the resources they need to elevate their careers. These programs provide tools for breaking through the glass ceiling—whether it’s furthering education, launching a business, or advancing in the corporate world. We need to ensure that all women have the support they need to thrive.
Self-Love and Empowerment: Embracing Our Worth
Balancing my career, motherhood, and self-care hasn’t been easy. Some days, I wonder if I’m getting it right. But then my son—currently in the “why” phase (and trust me, it’s relentless)—reminds me of something crucial: self-love.
Self-love isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. We can’t teach others to value themselves if we don’t first model that behavior. Empowerment starts with understanding your worth and standing tall in a world that often tries to make you feel small.
Confidence is key. As a mother, professional, and woman of color, I make it a point to show up confidently, setting an example for my son. Empowerment is about refusing to shrink, claiming your value, and teaching the next generation to do the same. When we embrace our worth, we empower others—especially young girls—to do the same.
Empowering Each Other
Empowering women and girls is an active, daily effort. It’s about offering support, mentorship, and advocating for change. It’s a collective movement, and every woman who’s fought to balance career and family is part of this journey.
If you want to make a difference, consider supporting programs like Dream It, Be It or the Live Your Dream Awards. These initiatives provide women and girls with the resources they need to succeed and break down the barriers holding them back. As a mother, I want my son to grow up in a world where women are seen, valued, and given equal opportunities to thrive.
A Collective Journey Toward Empowerment
The road to empowerment is challenging, but it’s worth it. We all play a role in helping women and girls—especially Black women and girls—find their voices, chase their dreams, and lead with confidence. As a single Black mother, I’m raising my son to understand that empowerment is a journey, fueled by resilience, self-love, and support.
If we want to build a world where our daughters can rise without limits, we must act now. Let’s create a future where women lead with power, grace, and the belief that we belong everywhere. Together, we can inspire the next generation to embrace their worth and chase their greatness.
Ashley Haynesworth is an experienced professional currently serving as the Director of Membership and Finance for a non profit, where she oversees financial strategy and membership growth. Her expertise in finance is complemented by a strong commitment to community service. She also sits on the Board of Community Connections for Children, where she contributes to both the board’s strategic direction and the Finance Committee.
With a deep passion for child development, Ashley is especially dedicated to helping children overcome barriers that often go unnoticed, striving to create opportunities for growth and success. In addition to her work in the nonprofit sector, she volunteers with various local organizations, supporting families and individuals in need.
Outside of her professional and volunteer roles, Ashley enjoys spending quality time with her son, dog and organizing gatherings with friends to foster meaningful connections. She is driven by the belief that building strong communities and supporting personal growth can make a lasting impact.