In addition to my highly melanated education (shout out to my alma mater, Shaw University!), I have benefited from collaborating with my fellow melanated and educated sisters on projects, work, and in life. While my formal education from an HBCU has had a profoundly meaningful impact on my life, I must say that working with my sisters has single-handedly had the most invaluable impact on my life and business. Why? Because working together with women who look like me cultivates a certain confidence and reassurance that is simply unlike anything I could ever explain or replicate elsewhere. Knowing that my sisters have my back and shine right alongside me is truly the greatest experience.

I have been so blessed to be aligned with women who know that, when we collaborate, we achieve better outcomes than we would had we gone it alone. I have a deeply rooted support system comprised of some of the most talented and gifted Black women I know and we all work together to help one another win. We uplift and encourage each other. We pray for each other. We laugh together and we cry together. We show up for one another and we intentionally and strategically create opportunities for each other to succeed. It is in this sanctuary of sisterhood that I find peace, solace, and so much joy.

Just last weekend, I had the pleasure of celebrating the book launch of my dear friend, Dr. Michelle Kindred. She launched an anthology series for Black women who have overcome adversity and used their challenging experiences to transform their lives. Each woman’s story shows how she found herself among the flames that were supposed to destroy her. Instead of succumbing, each rose from the ashes better, wiser, stronger, and more resolved to live a life that would bring hope and courage to other women who find themselves in the fiery furnace of life’s ups and downs. Sis, when I tell you my circle is strong, this is what I mean!

The women in your circle are crucial to your success. Without strong, solid, and dependable people around you, it can be hard to bounce back when life knocks you down. I owe so much to the women in my life. Every one of them brings something different to the table and collectively, we represent what it means to be melanated, educated, and collaborated! I could not be prouder of each of them. They are the wind beneath my wings. They tell me to keep pushing when I am tired. They remind me of the call and mission in my life when my heart gets weary. And it brings me immense joy to do the same for them. Sis, when was the last time you encouraged your circle? When was the last time you shared an opportunity with them? When was the last time you prayed for them?

You have absolutely nothing to lose by showing up for your sisters. I encourage you to find new and creative ways to uplift and support the women in your life. Perhaps the most important lesson I share with any women I have a conversation with is this: recognizing another sister’s light does not dim yours. Find every opportunity that you can to shine your light and see the light in your sisters as well. For when one of us shines, we all shine, and when we combine our light? We shine even brighter!

Who are your sisters? Where in life did you find them? Think about them today and ask yourself, how can I show up for my sisters today?