The Southern Reality
Despite having a large Black population, the South receives the least investment.
3%
According to Nonprofit Quarterly (2025), philanthropic funding goes to the South.
Narrow Pipeline
Research indicates that corporate leadership is primarily recruited from roles like
CFO, COO, and executive management (Nonprofit Quarterly (2025).
Undervalued Leadership
Research states that Black women lead in community, nonprofit, and advocacy spaces, but these roles are rarely recognized as executive experience (Nonprofit Quarterly (2025).
The South’s Got Something to Say
Black women in the South are leading across sectors, from community organizations to policy and philanthropy. Their leadership is deeply rooted in advocacy, cultural knowledge, and a commitment to addressing systemic issues within their communities. However, their contributions are often underrecognized within traditional corporate leadership pipelines (Coleman, 2025).
of Black women report experiencing racial workplace discrimination (Pew Research Center, 2023).
of Black women report experiencing
gender-based discrimination at work, according to American Community Media, 2025.
of women of color in leadership report racial discrimination (Institution for Women’s Policy Research, 2024)
Higher Rates
Black women experience higher rates of workplace discrimination, lower autonomy, and fewer benefits, according to (National Employment Law Project, 2024).