October 28th 2023.
Kelley Cornish, the President and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation and a longtime diversity and inclusion executive is taking her platform to new heights. Her mission? To shift the conversation around how Black women approach Corporate America and entrepreneurship.
“I am committed to my activism for Black women in the workforce to elevate and thrive on a larger scale,” Cornish said in an interview with The Washington Informer. “There is a trend with Black women leaving Corporate America for many reasons including a lack of leadership support and recognition while feeling undervalued in their roles in the workplace more than any other racial group. This, on top of their personal struggles, is an issue that we are eager to help resolve.”
Unfortunately, a 2020 report from Lean In showed that only 1.6% of vice presidencies and 1.4% of executive positions are held by Black women in Corporate America. Cornish is aware that in many cases, Black women are first-generation Corporate America employees, and her advice to them is to get familiar with the modes and customs of working in Corporate America. She believes that Black women often fall short when it comes to seeking higher pay, and her advice to them is to understand the power of effective networking and mentorship.
When it comes to entrepreneurship, Cornish urges Black women to take the leap and create something of their own. “You want to show the world what you can do. You want to move on from the company because you no longer want to be stifled,” she said. Cornish also believes that having a strong relationship with bankers, securing investors and opening your network are key when it comes to getting the capital needed to start a business.
Cornish’s work with the T.D. Jakes Foundation is focused on inspiring the youth to explore careers and helping them break out of poverty. “Our leader, T.D. Jakes is mind-boggling,” Cornish said. “He is ready to pour back into people who want to better their lives.” Bishop Jakes, the senior pastor of the megachurch The Potter’s House, is confident in Cornish’s ability to lead the foundation as the team works collectively to uplift communities and transform lives.
Cornish has held executive positions in diversity and inclusion for Wells Fargo, TD Bank Group, AmeriHealth Caritas and the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia. She is now using her platform to make a positive impact on the lives of Black women and helping them reach their full potential.
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