Uplifting Women Leaders Creating Opportunities
As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, it is imperative to acknowledge the extraordinary women who seamlessly balance multiple roles as entrepreneurs, community advocates, educators, caregivers, and beyond.
Despite confronting formidable challenges and systemic barriers, their unwavering dedication continues to pave the way for opportunities that uplift and empower us all.
This year’s theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” underscores the critical need to dismantle systemic obstacles and forge a more equitable society for all. We take immense pride in supporting initiatives that create avenues for women’s advancement and empower the trailblazing female leaders spearheading these transformative efforts.
Leah Austin: A Trailblazer for Black Children and Families
One such remarkable leader is Leah Austin, the President and CEO of the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI). Leah began her career as a school teacher in southeast DC, where she taught kindergarten and first grade. Today, she advocates for the well-being of Black children and their families through her leadership at NBCDI.
Her unwavering commitment to her cause has not gone unnoticed, as she was recently selected as an honoree for the US Black Chambers Inc. Women of Power “Power 50” this year.
Reimagining the Future Through Afrofuturism
At a recent policy conference hosted by NBCDI, Leah challenged attendees to imagine the future they want for Black children, taking inspiration from Afrofuturism. As she quoted Florence Okoye, “Afrofuturism is daring to suggest that not only will Black people exist in the future, but we will be makers, creators and shapers of it.”
This unconventional approach encourages attendees to be less constrained by current realities and envision a world where Black children can thrive.
Reforming Systems and Empowering Communities
Since its establishment in 1970, NBCDI has focused on realizing a better future for Black children through education and advocacy, growing out of the Civil Rights Movement. As one of the only national organizations solely focused on the well-being of Black children, with a particular emphasis on the early childhood years, NBCDI bridges direct service programs like its Read to Succeed Literacy program and systems change efforts.
Their work is informed by the lived experiences of Black families and implemented through a national volunteer-driven affiliate network. NBCDI’s national staff supports this grassroots network by providing strengths-based, culturally relevant, and trauma-informed resources and trainings that empower Black families to use their voices to advocate for their needs in their communities.
