The State of Black Women in Entrepreneurship: From Resilience to Economic Independence

Leveraging the Economic Opportunity of Entrepreneurship and Regional Ecosystem Building

Hosted by: Women’s Foundation of the South, Urban League of Louisiana, Kindred Futures

July 1, 2026, Wednesday | 8:30AM-11:30AM CST

Common House | 420 Julia Street | New Orleans LA, 70130 | Remy Room

Doors open at 8:30 AM. Complimentary breakfast included.

During 2025, estimates indicate that between 300,000 and 600,000 Black women exited the labor force or lost their jobs amid widespread economic changes, federal cuts, and the dismantling of diversity initiatives. While overall unemployment improved, Black women saw their unemployment rate rise, sometimes bearing over 50% of the total jobs lost by women. This rise was due in part to significant job cuts within the federal government—where Black women were highly represented—along with the reduction of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The losses extended beyond the public sector into corporate roles, affecting professionals and prompting many to seek alternative career paths or entrepreneurship.

Specifically, the number of Black women professionals seeking entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic survival is substantial and growing daily. During this important discussion, hosted by Women’s Foundation of the South, Urban League of Louisiana, and Kindred Futures, a panel of community leaders from across the South will explore the impact of this economic shift on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, including the expected challenges, potential opportunities, and policy priorities that will shape the future of Black women entrepreneurs.

Host Representatives:

§ Carmen Randolph, Founding President & CEO, Women’s Foundation of the South

§ Judy Reese Morse, President & CEO, Urban League of Louisiana

§ Janelle Williams, Co-Founder and CEO, Kindred Futures (Panel Moderator)

Panelists:

§ Joni Alexander, President and CEO, Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce

§ Patricia Cade, President and CEO, Tuscaloosa Area Chamber of Commerce

§ Klassi Duncan, Vice President, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Urban League of Louisiana

Limited seating available. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Laneceya Russ-Martin at laneceya@womensfoundationsouth.org.

THE STATE OF BLACK WOMEN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

FROM RESILIENCE TO ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE