SisterTableTalk™

Viewing Black women through an equitable lens reveals their true strength and ambition. It's essential to challenge stereotypes that can misinterpret their incredible qualities. By fostering understanding, we can positively influence policies, hiring practices, and opportunities, ultimately uplifting everyone in our communities. Let's champion their brilliance together! The cost is heavy: Black women are the most educated group of women in America, yet earn just 64 cents to every dollar earned by white men. Black women who exhibit strong confidence are often overlooked for leadership roles because their confidence is mistaken for arrogance. Black women often experience significant challenges in accessing healthcare, housing, and economic stability, because their needs are considered their personal faults instead of systemic obstacles. The Way Forward The SOFEI Group is excited to share that actual change comes from reshaping misleading narratives with genuine stories. Let...

When The SOFEI Group launched the Ambassadors for Economic Independence (AFEI) Giving Circle, it was more than a fundraising initiative; it was a bold vision to create lasting change for women experiencing situational poverty. From the very beginning, the Giving Circle sought to unite passionate leaders, donors, and advocates committed to empowering women to achieve economic independence through education, training, and development. We were honored when Dr. Melba Moore accepted our invitation to serve as Chief Ambassador, lending her voice, influence, and unwavering commitment to our mission. Her leadership has helped elevate the Giving Circle , transforming it from an inspired idea into a robust network of supporters actively funding scholarships, grants, and resources that change lives. Today, the AFEI Giving Circle stands as a beacon of hope and action, uniting like-minded individuals to break cycles of economic instability and equip women with the tools they need to thrive. ...

In a world that profits from our dissatisfaction, Contentment has become a radical economic strategy. But here's what most people misunderstand about biblical Contentment (Hebrews 13:5) : it's not about settling for less; it's about building more from a place of peace. As women navigating economic uncertainty, job market challenges, and financial pressures, we're constantly told that Contentment equals complacency. If we're grateful for what we have, we'll stop striving for what we need. But scripture teaches us something revolutionary: Contentment is the foundation of sustainable wealth building. Contentment vs. Complacency: The Critical Difference Complacency says: "I'll just make do with what I have." Contentment says: "I'm grateful for what I have while I build what I need." Complacency stops taking action. Contentment takes strategic action without desperation. Complacency avoids financial growth. Contentment purs...

Black women did not create welfare; however, they became the face of it when its origin was for white widowed women. If you've ever wondered how Black women became associated with welfare in America's social perception, you're about to discover a history that will transform your understanding. Spoiler alert: What you think you know about the story may not reveal the complete truth. The Real Origin of Welfare Picture this: It's 1935, and America is drowning in the Great Depression. President Franklin D. Roosevelt launches his New Deal, creating the foundation of what we now call "welfare." But here's what your history books probably didn't emphasize: these programs were designed by white people, for white people. Understanding this context helps us appreciate the complexities behind our social systems today. The Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) program was initially designed with a narrow focus, specifically to assist white widowed wome...

Sisters, we need to have an honest conversation about what's happening in our economy right now. The numbers don't lie, and they're telling a story we can no longer ignore. The unemployment rate for black women has surged to 6%, double that of white workers, with the most significant spikes occurring in recent months. While other groups are maintaining or improving their employment rates, we're regressing. In May, black women's unemployment climbed to 5.8%, up from 5.3% a year ago, even surpassing the jobless rate for Black men. But here's the deeper issue that nobody is talking about: where our money goes after we earn it. The Money Trail: Following Our Dollars Out the Door Understanding Our Economic Footprint: A Candid Look at Our Spending Patterns. We must be honest about where our money goes. When we invest in our appearance, whose benefits are we truly reaping? Research from the University of Georgia's Selig Center reveals a painful truth:...

For women facing crises like escaping domestic abuse, losing a job unexpectedly, or dealing with housing instability, economic empowerment is essential. This empowerment is more than just earning a paycheck; it is a key step toward a better life. It helps women not only survive but also thrive, leading them to greater success. By working together, we can support this vital change and make a lasting impact on their lives! Self-Sufficiency: Meeting Needs Without Sacrificing Dignity Self-sufficiency means having equitable systems and support that restore dignity and independence, enabling one to provide for oneself through a combination of adequate resources, essential skills, and a strong sense of confidence in one's abilities. It encompasses the capacity to meet basic needs, such as nutritious food, safe and secure shelter, accessible healthcare, and reliable childcare, all while maintaining independence from external dependencies. Agency: The Right to Choose and Control Agen...

In Matthew 25:14–30, Jesus shares the Parable of the Talents, which is a powerful story about three servants entrusted with resources by their master. While two invested and multiplied their talents, the third hid his talent out of fear. His excuse? "I was afraid." How many of us are doing the same? Letting fear, perfectionism, or comparison diminish our gifts can lead us to hide our ideas, dreams, and skills — the things that have the power to transform our lives and those of others. Remember, God placed purpose within you not to be buried, but to be built upon, to grow, to multiply, and to make an impact on the world. Whether it's your voice, your vision, your creativity, or your ability to lead, you are accountable for what you do with what God gave you. At The SOFEI Group , we help women overcome fear and self-doubt to achieve financial independence. You don't need more permission, you need movement. Now is the moment to embrace your authentic self ...

For generations, women have faced heart-wrenching decisions, with one of the most difficult being the choice between pursuing a fulfilling career and embracing the role of a full-time mother. While men often receive admiration for their fatherhood without significant professional repercussions, women frequently feel compelled to sacrifice their economic stability, career aspirations, and long-term financial security when they choose to become mothers. It's a complex and emotionally charged struggle that reflects the deep-seated societal expectations placed on women. But What is the Real Cost? According to national labor data, women who take career breaks for caregiving experience significant financial setbacks, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages, retirement savings, and opportunities for promotion over their lifetimes. For Black and Brown mothers, the consequences are even more severe because of fewer safety nets, limited access to paid leave, and considerable bar...

Psalm 139:14 states, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well," This verse goes beyond your spiritual comfort and straight into your career strategy? What Is Divine DNA? Every woman carries a Divine DNA , a unique blend of gifts, experiences, wisdom, and purpose that is irreplaceable and unmatched. Your natural talents, lived experiences, and deepest calling are what the world needs. Divine DNA transcends mere skills ; it embodies your unique approach to everything you do, instilling a sense of safety in clients that they find nowhere else. For example, your team turns to you for genuine solutions rather than temporary fixes because your Divine DNA empowers you to perceive problems and possibilities others overlook. Imagine two women with the same degree and years of experience in the same industry. One woman turned her financial hardship into strength, mastering the art of resource...

Recent headlines regarding artificial intelligence and automation often evoke concern, such as AI Will Replace Millions of Jobs and Automation is Coming for Your Career. For individuals who have recently experienced a layoff from a federal position or public institution, these messages can resonate on a personal level and may feel daunting. It is critical to stay informed and understand the implications of these developments in the job market. What AI Cannot Replace? AI has made significant advances in tasks like composing emails and analyzing data; however, AI cannot fully replicate human qualities such as empathy, ethics, effective communication, and sound judgment. These traits are crucial in many high-demand careers, where individual experiences and insights play a significant role in making a positive impact, and certain professions will prevent individuals from being displaced by AI. Here are fields actively seeking people with your combination of experience and em...

Sarah's world turned upside down on a Tuesday morning when she received the divorce papers, coinciding with the week her job was eliminated. With two kids, a mortgage to pay, and no clear direction for her future, she felt overwhelmed. However, six months later, she was running her own consulting business and had never felt more confident about what lay ahead. What changed? Sarah learned that empowerment isn't something that happens to you; it's something you create for yourself. Beyond the Paycheck: What Real Empowerment Looks Like Economic empowerment goes beyond your bank account balance. It involves having the ability to make choices about your life, the confidence to pursue your goals, and the clarity to envision a path forward, even when circumstances appear challenging. When women are economically empowered, they can survive unexpected challenges and transform them into opportunities. They move from reacting to life to actively creating the life they want. Th...

"The Big Beautiful Bill" was initially promoted as a significant advancement for American families. However, following its passage and the decline in public enthusiasm, a different reality has emerged. The legislation appears to provide more reductions in services than benefits, particularly impacting low-income households, women of color, and women-led families who are the most vulnerable and who cannot afford to lose crucial support, raising an important question: Whose beauty are we celebrating? What's Actually in the Bill: A Closer Loo k Instead of expanding opportunity as promised, the bill introduces deep reductions to social safety net programs millions of Americans rely on to survive and thrive. SNAP (Food Stamps) Under Attack The bill introduces stricter eligibility criteria and expands work requirements, which may disproportionately affect single mothers and older women. When considering the impact of inflation, the actual value of benefit amounts is dimin...

A recent report by the New York Times delves into the concept of the motherhood penalty, which refers to the significant decrease in earnings mothers experience after the birth of their children. This report highlights that, on average, American mothers earn 42 percent less than their male counterparts, even 15 years after graduating from college - an issue extending beyond missing work and stemming from systemic biases and outdated policies that contribute to this disparity. Research indicates mothers face biases in hiring, advancement, and pay, even in flexible roles, leading many to trade full-time wages for family needs. A Reddit commenter expressed a striking realization: that the unacknowledged and undervalued labor of mothers is the foundation of our societal structures and economic systems, revealing a deep-seated disregard for the vital contributions mothers make to our communities and economy. The Women's Law Center highlights the penalties facing mothers in the wo...

Confidence doesn’t come from a lack of talent; it often comes from years of being told, subtly or overtly, that you don’t belong. For Black women, this experience can be especially layered. The confidence gap isn’t just about gender; it’s also about race, culture, and the spaces we move through. From underrepresentation in leadership to microaggressions in the workplace, Black women often choose to shrink, silence, or edit themselves just to be seen as “professional.” These barriers harm our careers and decrease our confidence, but we’re not staying small. Programs like InfuseHer and safe community spaces are helping Black women reclaim their voice and rewrite their narratives. We’re stepping forward, standing tall, and owning our brilliance on our terms. Let’s keep the conversation going: 👉🏽 How can we better support the confidence and leadership of Black women in our networks?

"Where there is no vision, the people perish…" - Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) "Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it." - Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV) The Fog of Uncertainty She stares at the blank page, overwhelmed by the weight of decisions ahead (e.g., career changes, relationship choices, ministry directions), and her questions multiply faster than answers: What is God calling me to do, and am I moving in the right direction, or what if I make the wrong choice? Sound familiar? In a world of endless options and constant noise, clarity can feel like a luxury reserved for the spiritual elite, but what if clarity isn't simply nice to have but a divine necessity? Vision: The Difference Between Wandering and Walking Proverbs 29:18 carries a sobering truth: "Where there is no vision, the people perish." The Hebrew word for "perish" doesn't mean death; it means to be unrestrained, to cast off restraint, to be...

Many women experience feelings of invisibility in their everyday lives, and this shared sentiment highlights the importance of connection and support in amplifying our voices and empowering one another to shine more brightly. In the workplace, it is not uncommon for women's ideas to get overlooked and restated by male colleagues, who then receive immediate recognition and approval, creating feelings of invisibility for women in professional environments. Similarly, at home, parents might experience moments where their guidance is dismissed by their teenagers, only to be acknowledged later when shared with peers. This repetitive cycle of being ignored can foster a sense of frustration and questioning of one's visibility and value within professional and personal spheres. The Weight of Being Unseen Shows Up in Countless Ways Your contributions at work get overlooked or credited to someone else Your emotional labor at home goes unnoticed and unappreciated Years of fait...

Since 2017, Black women’s labor market experience has reflected both deep systemic inequities and the fallout from significant policy shifts. Our analysis of employment trends, using data from the Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reveals a nuanced picture: Black women made pre-pandemic employment gains but suffered greater economic losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by an uneven and incomplete recovery. Key Trends: Occupational Segregation: Many Black women remain in underpaid, undervalued roles in caregiving, retail, and service industries—jobs most vulnerable to job cuts and instability. Policy Rollbacks: The erosion of DEI programs and worker protections has closed off paths to career advancement. Childcare Crisis: The lack of investment in affordable, accessible childcare has forced many women to reduce hours or leave the workforce entirely. Persistent Pay Gap: Black women earn just 66¢ for every dollar earned by white men—a figure that h...

Society has long conditioned women to subtly and overtly regard daily survival as sufficient. Many women live minimally and celebrate getting through the day rather than striving for personal growth and achievement. This mindset often leads to feelings of guilt when desiring more from life. However, operating in survival mode is not a natural state; it restricts our true potential and possibilities for a fulfilling life. Embracing the idea of thriving can unlock opportunities for spiritual, emotional, and financial growth and fulfillment as a daily practice, not as a once-a-year vacation. The Survival Trap Many women who feel like they are simply existing often prioritize the needs of others above their own. They may experience guilt when taking time to rest or believe that struggling is a virtue. Survival mode can deceive them with messages like, "You should be grateful for what you have" when they dare to dream, or "That's selfish" when they try to prior...

An analysis of recent policy changes and their implications for economic equity, healthcare access, and opportunity Since returning to office in January 2025, the Trump administration has implemented several significant policy changes that directly impact women of color across multiple dimensions of economic and social life. This analysis examines these policies through the lens of pay equity, career advancement, childcare access, healthcare, and affordable housing. Pay Equity and Career Advancement The administration's approach to workplace regulations has raised concerns among equity advocates. In March 2025, the Labor Department suspended the implementation of pay data collection requirements intended to identify wage disparities based on gender and race. This rollback of transparency measures could make it more challenging to identify and address systemic pay gaps that disproportionately affect women of color, who continue to experience the widest wage disparities in the Am...

I’ve been thinking about Marian Wright Edelman’s reminder that “you can’t be what you can’t see.” Those seven words sit at the heart of our C1B1 Summit, and if I’m honest, they sit at the heart of my story, too. A Moment of Recognition When I was a young girl thumbing through social-studies textbooks, powerful Black women were footnotes at best; however, I felt an unmistakable tug inside: One day, I’ll help women like me step onto bigger stages. Fast forward to today, that tug has a name inspired by Marian Wright Edelman: The C1B1 Summit. From Conference Ballroom to Congressional Floor At each summit, we spotlight women who have overcome barriers in tech, finance, health, and public service. However, in the current political climate, I find myself drawn to one arena in particular: Congress. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm - was not supposed to win in 1968, yet she became the first Black woman in the House. Representative Ayanna Pressley - said she ran “not to make history but to...