( ENSPIRE Health & Wellness ) Upcoming Documentary Series Details Black Women’s Workplace Experiences and Hopes to Inspire Change in Corporate Life
ENSPIRE Contributor: Nicole Armstrong
Black Women Surviving Corporate is a documentary series, being produced by Gabrieline Reece, that is a blend of experience, education, and empowerment that aims to bring Black women’s complex contact with workplace settings to the public’s attention. The documentary will delve into specific stories that show the strength and resilience of Black women while dealing with social barriers and norms in their workplaces. The documentary will be a community effort to produce, which includes crowdfunding. Information about the upcoming project, how to support it, and additional educational resources are available on Blackwomensurvivingcorporate.com.
The producer of Black Women Surviving Corporate, Gabrieline Reece, is an accomplished film producer, director, founder & founder of several organizations including, Women Who Influence, and Brand Experience. Black Women Surviving Corporate is her most recent project, which she imagines as a catalyst for change and conversation surrounding the experience of Black women and their unique experiences in the corporate world.
The ENSPIRE Team learned more about the processes behind Black Women Surviving Corporate.
What events or experiences drove you to initiate this project? Did you have a single defining moment that inspired this project, or was it a gradual accumulation of experiences and insights that led you to begin working on the documentary?
The decision to initiate this project stemmed from a combination of singular impactful moments and a gradual accumulation of experiences and insights. Gabrieline Reece witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by Black women in the corporate world and interviewed leaders who have experienced working in corporate settings. These interviews inspired the stories shared by individuals within these communities. Gabrieline Reece took these experiences and insights to recognize the need to shed light on these issues through a documentary.
How can people take action to combat stereotyping against Black women in the corporate world? How can others take a stand against these negative experiences and support Black women when harmful experiences do arise?
People can combat stereotyping against Black women in the corporate world by actively challenging biases and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within their workplaces. This can involve advocating for equitable treatment, supporting Black women’s voices and contributions, and fostering mentorship and sponsorship opportunities. When negative experiences arise, it’s crucial for others to offer empathy, solidarity, and practical support to affected individuals, whether through listening, providing resources, or amplifying their concerns.
Do you have any specific influences or inspirations for your filmmaking whether that be other filmmakers or any people in your life that motivate you to keep creating?
Gabrieline Reece drew inspiration from various sources, including other filmmakers who have tackled similar social issues, as well as personal experiences and individuals who have motivated them to create meaningful work. These influences could range from mentors and role models to cultural movements and societal shifts that highlight the importance of representation and advocacy.
What are the best ways for the public to support Black Women Surviving Corporate?
The public can support the project by spreading awareness about the documentary, engaging with its content through screenings or discussions, and advocating for greater representation and support for Black women in corporate settings. Additionally, individuals can offer financial support through crowdfunding or donations to ensure the project’s success and broader impact.
Ideally, what systemic changes would you like to see regarding how Black women are treated in the workplace?
Ideally, systemic changes would involve addressing structural inequalities and biases within organizations, including implementing policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. This could encompass initiatives such as unconscious bias training, transparent promotion and hiring processes, mentorship programs tailored to Black women, and creating safe spaces for dialogue and feedback on workplace experiences.
What one thing would you tell young black women entering the corporate world; maybe something you wish you knew when you were just starting out in your career?
One piece of advice for young Black women entering the corporate world could be to prioritize self-advocacy and seek out mentors and allies who can provide guidance and support. It’s essential to recognize one’s worth and capabilities while navigating challenges, and to remember that resilience and perseverance are valuable assets in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Additionally, understanding the importance of building a supportive network and leveraging resources can contribute to navigating the complexities of corporate environments.
Black Women Surviving Corporate is coming soon. Support Gabrieline Reece and Black Women Surviving Corporate and learn more about her vision at Blackwomensurvivingcorporate.com.
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