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Celebrating Black Women Beyond the White Lens

When we look at Black women through our own eyes—not through the narrow filters of whiteness, we see stories that can move mountains. Stories of women who have held families together with little more than faith. Women who became leaders despite not being given permission. Women who built entire communities while carrying scars that the world rarely noticed. These stories aren't just inspiring—they're proof that strength, when tested, can break barriers no one thought possible. Black women are innovators. They're builders. They're healers. And when we honor their real contributions, we not only acknowledge their worth but also affirm the depth of their character and the fullness of their humanity. However, the truth is distorted perceptions still cause real harm because implicit and explicit biases create barriers to the actual view of women, which delays deserved career opportunities, creating unnecessary wage gaps that prevent families - especially those led by wom...
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Finding Strength: A Path to Safety and Healing

Abuse is not love. It’s not protection. And no matter what anyone tells you, it’s never your fault. Too many women are walking through life carrying pain that no one else sees. They smile in public, keep going to work, show up for their kids, but behind closed doors, the truth is different. Sometimes the people who are supposed to protect you are the very ones who hurt you. And the children? They see it all, even if you think they don’t. Anger, disrespect, and shutting down at school are not signs of “bad kids.” They are signs of kids who are scared, hurting, and desperate for someone to make it stop. 🌿 Sister, We Need You to Hear This You don’t have to live like this. You don’t have to let your children grow up believing that love looks like violence, or that silence is the only way to survive. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, you might wonder, “How will I make it? Where will I go? What if I don’t have enough money?” Those are real questions, but here’s the truth: staying will cost you ...

Blackness Through White Lenses: The Cost and the Call to Action for Black Women

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...

Ambassadors for Economic Independence: A Legacy of Empowerment

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. ...

Build It Anyway: How Women Rebuild Careers & Confidence After Abuse

Sitting there, wondering if anyone understands what it's like when your voice feels foreign in your throat. When years of being told you're "too much" or "not enough" have made you doubt everything you once knew about yourself. We see you questioning if you have anything valuable to offer. If you're strong enough to build the life you deserve. If anyone would hire you, trust you, or believe in you, when you can barely believe in yourself. The Truth You Might Have Forgotten Your voice didn’t disappear — it was silenced . Your confidence wasn’t lost — it was dismantled . Your dreams weren’t unrealistic — they were discouraged . And here's the other truth: What broke can be rebuilt. What was silenced can speak again. What diminished can rise. The Playbook of Abusive Systems Abuse, whether from a partner, employer, or institution, works on one principle: make you forget your power so you won't use it. Every insult ...

The Economics of Contentment: Building Wealth from a Place of Peace

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...

Empowering Your Career Transition: Discover the Power of Career Assessments

Being laid off can feel like a significant setback, but it can also be the perfect time to reassess and realign your career path. A career assessment, like the MAPP Assessment , can provide a roadmap to the career you truly deserve. Here's how it can help: Discover Your True Strengths: Gain a deeper understanding of your natural talents, motivations, and values. Identify Career Matches: Get insights into careers that align with your skills and interests, opening doors to exciting new opportunities. Build Confidence: Knowing your strengths helps you approach job hunting with clarity and purpose. Create a Personalized Career Plan: With your MAPP Assessment results, you can build a strategic, actionable plan to get to where you want to be. The SOFEI Group partners with individuals to ensure their career journey is more than a transition; it’s a transformation. Together, we can build the career you deserve. Take the first step with the MAPP Assessment today!...

The Untold Truth: How Black Women Became the Scapegoats for America's Welfare System

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...

The Economic Reality: It's Time for Black Women to Lead Their Recovery

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:...

What Economic Empowerment Means for Women in Crisis?

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...