About the author: Hilda Pinnix-Ragland is a well-known business executive and community advocate of servant leadership. She co-authored the book The Energy Within Us: An Illuminating Perspective from Five Trailblazers. She was the first African American woman to serve as vice president of Duke Energy and Progress Energy Inc. She serves on the board of directors for RTI International as Chair Audit & Risk Committee. She was appointed to 8 Rivers Capital board and the Southwest Water company board. Hilda was the first woman on the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges and the first Black women to be elected as Board Chair. She is often the first African American woman board member on the boards she serves, a fact she would like to not celebrate.
Over the last many decades, I have been the only woman and certainly the only Black woman at many decision-making tables. I am so used to being the only one who looks different when I enter a room that I rarely notice it anymore. But, this Black History Month, I invite you, my fellow Black women, to start entering these rooms and taking the seat that is yours. The work of Black women before you has set a precedent and opened new opportunities. Now it’s your turn to join me at the civic leadership table.
Your leadership is needed.
One of the greatest barriers to securing more Black women in civic leadership roles is the lack of knowledge that these opportunities exist. I would like to tell you about options beyond voting and running for office. Every city, county, and state has boards and commissions that appoint citizens to serve a term. Government officials rely on these boards and commissions to make decisions that impact the community. Unlike running for office, these positions are appointed, so there is no campaigning. Simply visit your city, county, or state website to find openings and apply for a position. Learn more about civic leadership through United WE’s Appointments Project®.
As a professional woman, you are competent, you are confident, and you have courage. The question is, “Will you use those skills to transform your community?” If you are not at the table, someone else is making decisions for you. We must stop talking about the change we want to see and start taking action by joining boards, committees, and commissions with decision-making power.
Research shows diverse groups yield higher returns on investment. Your voice is needed to improve our communities.
You must be fearless.
I grew up in a family that taught me women can do anything. We also believed in giving back to the community. I saw my family do it, so I replicated that. I saw and seized opportunities for impact. To be honest, fear was rarely something I experienced. I always knew I could accomplish great things; it was just a matter of how and when. I want to instill that same fearlessness in you.
Your most important tool for civic success is believing in yourself. I often hear from young women that they don’t feel like they have the tenure or experience to join a board or commission. I tell you, that is simply not true. Civic leadership is for all. All ages, all abilities, and all backgrounds. No other person can bring the experience you have to the table. It is needed. You are needed — and you belong. I have been in that room, I have sat at the table, and you do belong.
You will encounter nay-sayers on your path. I encourage you to simply ignore them. You have a goal to accomplish, and they may try to stand in your way, but you must carry on. Do not change, do not leave. Together, we can bring more change that benefits the community as a whole.
Side note to the mentors, sponsors, and male allies reading this: Your challenge this month is to encourage and sponsor a Black woman to serve in a civic leadership role. I only had male mentors because there were not any women around, but I was still encouraged by them to apply for new leadership roles and appointments. They helped me be more fearless. Who will you sponsor this month and invite to the civic leadership table?
You will be rewarded.
Civic leadership can advance you in unbelievable ways. The returns for your investment of serving will be tenfold. There is no doubt in my mind. Believe it or not, you get it from places and people you never expected. I was propelled into new positions due to being visible and being a part of decision-making. It strengthened my career significantly.
Also, you will have fun! It is a wonderful experience to influence policy that transforms lives for the better.
It’s time to leave your legacy.
Serving your community is a guaranteed way to leave a legacy. The work you do should speak for you long after you are gone. Before your time is up, bring other Black women to the table — and encourage them to bring others as well. One by one, we will continue to fill more seats around the decision-making table.
Every Black History Month I give myself a task to learn something new. This Black History Month, I challenge you to learn about the boards and commissions openings in your community and use your voice to take action.
You are needed. You are fearless. You do belong. You will be rewarded. It is time!