In April 2025, a disturbing breach of national security came to light. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, a former television personality with no military leadership experience, shared classified war plans in an unclassified Signal group chat. Shockingly, the recipients included his wife, brother, and attorney. [Reuters] This issue is not just a security lapse; it arises from appointing unqualified individuals to critical and sensitive roles within the government. What makes this infuriating is the blatant hypocrisy. While the Trump Administration continues dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives under the banner of merit-based hiring, it is simultaneously filling top-tier leadership positions with individuals whose only qualification seems to be political loyalty and media visibility, not competence or readiness to serve. Since taking office in January, Hegseth removed seasoned military professionals and replaced them with allies who align with his i...
Confidence is influenced not solely by skill, knowledge, or talent; it stems from external messages individuals receive about their existence in diverse spaces (e.g., years of being told, subtly or overtly, that we do not belong). For Black women, this challenge is particularly pronounced and emotionally taxing. Beyond the Gender Gap: The Intersectional Reality The much-discussed "confidence gap" extends far beyond gender alone. For Black women, confidence navigates the complex intersection of gender, race, and cultural expectations—creating unique barriers in professional and personal environments. Research from McKinsey's Women in the Workplace study found that Black women are more likely to have their judgment questioned in their area of expertise and are less likely to receive support from managers than their counterparts. These realities affect career trajectories and fundamentally impact how Black women perceive their capabilities and worth. The Daily Battle ...