Time to Embrace All Your Magic + Start Flourishing, Sis!

Join me for this free webinar on Thursday, April 7 at 7:30pm EST!

"Hustlapreneur's Guide to Career Success" will help you assess the first part of 2016 and create actionable goals for the remainder of the year. More specifically, we will:

1. Do a quick assessment of Q1 and all its amazingness!

2. Create SMARTER goals for Q2.

3. Of course, ki-ki about some of my plunders in Q1 to learn from them + more! 

I'm also going to include a worksheet to use as we go through the session. This webinar is part of CMB Mentor. Click here to learn more about the program.

Of course, if you want some #womenpower inspiration before that, you can sign-up here and get access to #SheLeads2016 E-Conference sessions. 

Calling all fly college + career millennial women to this awesome opportunity!

When I started CMB Professional Development Agency, who knew we would be blessed enough to start a mentor program. I started CMB when I was 25 years old. All of my close friends were out of school; and I had reached that awkward age where I didn't have any close friends still in college... I was starting to feel old!

Anywho, many of my female friends and associates started approaching me about wanting to get involved. We all wanted to find a way to help women in college and graduate school. We all wanted to be that rational voice that we once needed to hear the winter break before graduation when you questioned the last 3.5 years of your life. We wanted to be that boss career woman we sought advice from when trying to figure out what to do with our politics degree.

We, like most millennials, have this knack for wanting to help each other out. We also like succeeding at our passions. CMB Mentor is the avenue to embrace both of those millennial tenets. At CMB Mentor, we strive to connect millennial college women to career women in their industry. We do monthly check-ins via Skype/Facetime. I also host monthly webinars related to networking, career advancement, and leadership. 

This spring, I want to plan a brunch in NYC! I'd love to gather college seniors and career women for an afternoon of delicious brunch, networking and of course ki-ki'ing. We're also going to continue to dive deeper on our webinars. We'll build on the foundation we laid in the fall when we hosted "Critical Conversations on a College Campus," and discussed how to address acts of discrimination and racism on campus. We welcome students to share their experiences. We ask mentors to share their wisdom and offer support. It will be awesome!

If you're a millennial college or a career woman,

that wants to succeed in their professional aspirations,

that likes seeing other women "win" on their grind and in their hustle,

that enjoys attending fun meet-ups and ki-ki'ing with the girls -

CMB Mentor is for you! Sign-up here!

To apply to be a Mentor, CLICK HERE!

To apply to be a Mentee, CLICK HERE!

A few of our CMB Mentors shared their wisdom and experiences during the #SheLeads2016 virtual conference. Our facilitators shared tips on networking, taking on leadership roles at work, self-care and more! Sign-up here and get access to some of these fantastic workshops!

Hello December? OMG, 2015 is Over!?

Hello December!
Can you believe 2015 is almost over?! Me neither!!! It went by so fast. It's already the time of year when people reflect on all the ups and downs of the last 12 months and start thinking about what opportunities the new year will bring.

When I think of the year, especially the last three months, I think about the amazing strides we've made with CMB. We've raised our visibility tremendously this year. Since September, we've launched our mentor program, hosted two webinars, organized fabulous meet-ups and made strong connections with other lady boss millennials. **happy dance**

We had so much fun hosting this meet-up with
Marissa Germain's blog, "The Millennial Takeover!"

It has been amazing and if you follow us, you've seen my face all over these events. I love it all- our programs and services, our mission, networking- I'm always reppin CMB, hard! What some people don't know, is I also work just as diligently and passionately for my full-time position, in human resources.

While growing CMB, I've been grinding just as hard at my 9-5, implementing new processes and tightening up others. I expose myself to every learning opportunity because I want to both be better at my job, and use the knowledge to help my CMB community. It has been a wonderful learning experience but guess what?!

I was exhausted!

Don't get me wrong, I realized committing to this Hustlapreneur life would be a lot of work. Balancing a full-time corporate job, a part-time stylist position, and managing a nonprofit keeps me very busy honey. 

Photo cred: https://ronetheboxhouston.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/boss.jpg?w=300&h=225

What I didn't realize is my ambition and drive for excellence had taken priority over my personal life. In 2015, I can count on one hand how many times I've gone to brunch with my girlfriends. My calls home have decreased, and I feel that love and laughter missing from my everyday life. Shame on me. Family and friends are the cornerstone of my success. They are so important and instrumental in my life. I need to prioritize them as I do my professional life. 

In 2015, I focused on gratitude and being thankful for all the experiences God blessed me with - the good and bad. In 2016, I want to focus on being present. I want to be more present with my family, friends, future friends and colleagues. Seizing the day and appreciating life's moments will be the focus of my life next year. 

What are you looking forward to in 2016? Let's hold each other accountable and help each other achieve our goals. Join our mailing list so we can keep in touch. I want to be more engaged with millennial women in 2016 so expect opportunities to meet-up and talk about our work life, the struggle, millennial fashion and more!

<3

xoxo,
Courtney
www.thecolormeb.com

Why #BlackGirlMagic Will Change the World

What exactly is #blackgirlmagic ? 

Clarissa Joan poses this question and other inquiries of race and womanhood in her article, "Black Girl Magic Defined: Do You Put Your Race before womanhood" in Madame Noire.

When I first saw the hashtag, I knew #blackgirlmagic was all about our limitless strength and power. Every day, I’m in awe of the goals, accomplishments and grace of black women --

My BFF, a Nigerian American, finished law school and is using her degree to start a natural hair care and education empire- #blackgirlmagic

Another bestie started her PhD in 2010 when we finished college; and despite roadblocks, she's defending this Friday- #blackgirlmagic I'll be there giving her a standing ovation because we celebrate each other - #blackgirlmagic

Me and my BFF at our first event collaboration! #naturalhaireverywhere
Check her out at whollyhair.com

Are black women more black than woman though? Personally, I'd say no. Historically and socially, black women have had a subordinate status in both their gender and racial social groups. During the women's movement in the early 20th century, white women advocated and benefited. The needs of black women were not included. Many black women including myself and Alice Walker have felt ostracized in the feminist movement and identify more as a womanist. Being a woman is incredible but as a black woman, I don't see myself in the American feminist movement. Furthermore, historically and currently, black women take a backseat in the fight for black rights and liberties. An example is President Obama's My Brother's Keeper initiative. Don't get me wrong, it is an incredible program and much needed; but black girls are not included.

We will support and contribute to the program’s success though because that's #blackgirlmagic. In both our identity groups, our needs are secondary, so we've learned (and are taught) to create our own opportunities and support each other through it. This past Friday, I experienced an amazing #blackgirlmagic moment.  

Marissa Germain of the Millennial Takeover and I hosted a happy hour in Washington, DC for millennial women. Most of us did not know each other but as soon as we met, it was like we were old friends. We laughed, talked, shared our weekly accomplishments and really enjoyed ourselves. I left the meet-up feeling inspired and motivated. 

A little grainy but you see the magic :)!!!

It was really encouraging to spend time with women that understand and empathize with my journey. Since I was on such sisterhood high after the event, I didn't learn of the Paris attacks until Saturday morning.

Heartbreaking. Devastating. Evil. My heart goes out to everyone affected by these horrific crimes. I pray the culprits are brought to justice, by any means necessary. 

However, I'm happy I learned of the news after experiencing a night of #blackgirlmagic. Being around these women reminded me that we have the power to change the world. At a time when we're consistently seeing unprecedented acts of violence and terrorism, we can be the change we want to see. How? By continuing to be exemplary role models in our community and at home. As mothers, aunts, sisters, girlfriends and cousins, we will continue to show love and how to love to the next generation and our peers. As successful career women, we'll teach the next generation tenacity, perseverance and how to be a contributing member of society. 

We'll do this with grace and integrity because that's what we do. That's #blackgirlmagic. Our CMB community it's full of #blackgirlmagic and I'd love for you to join it. Click here to join our mailing list!

Networking + Girl Bosses Mixer

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of joining Cotten Kandi Media company, as the host, for their Girl Bosses Networking event. 

@epiphanykendell @mieks_summerdove @cottenkandimedia @beautifulket

The event was absolutely amazing and inspiring.

Four millennial women shared career and life advice with attendees, while I served as host. We discussed the different industries our speakers represent and heard tips about how to be successful. It was a beautiful event because all of us were so supportive, knowledgeable and willing to share with others.

There were moments when I had to stop and reflect on the strength and power that was in the room. Between the speakers and our audience, we successfully created a safe space where everyone felt comfortable being vulnerable and supporting each other. As women of color in professional industries, the ability to do this is so important because oftentimes, women struggle to find these spaces in their work life.

Of course some companies and industries are better than others, but with this event, we wanted to show young women that the support is there. We also stressed the importance and benefits of networking. Hearing "networking" can be intimidating for some, but really, networking is simply intentional communication. Networking is attending events like the Girl Bosses event and connecting with someone in your field. It doesn't have to be super serious or formal. If you're nervous about how to "network" make sure you employ these three simple tips.

1. Remember their name and their relevance to you. 

A tip I learned very early in my career (maybe 13 years old) is when I collect someone's business card, I write one interesting fact about them on the back of it. When I'm doing follow-up, I send an email to the new contact and mention something we discussed. Now, as an adult and a businessowner, I make sure to include how we can collaborate. Try it!

2. Attend networking events! 

There are companies (like @thecolormeb) and people that host these events to get young people talking and engaged. Go to eventbrite.com and search for events in your area. On instagram, search the hashtags. If you're shy about speaking with people, this is a great place to start because you can search for events that will make you feel comfortable. Also, some of these events are FREE. You just have to find them.

3. Be yourself. 

Like I said previously, networking is simply intentional communication. There's no script, no formula - just do you. Talking to someone in a c-suite position or a managerial position can be scary, but they are people just like me and you. Also, if someone is not a nice person, chances are their employer wouldn't send them to recruiting or networking events, so don't worry about that. If you need help overcoming nerves, try practicing with a friend. You can also shoot me an email at cmb.nyc1@gmail.com. Happy to help!

Join our mailing list for updates on our blog , programs and services,+ exclusive access to my periscope tutorials !

xoxo,

Courtney

Founder/CEO 

@TheColorMeB