Celebrating Black History Month
In honor of Black History month, we asked Thread alumnae to reflect on their achievements, challenges, greatest influences and what they see on the horizon.
Tasha Hayes (Cohort 3), Founder of The Blackprint ICT
Can you share a personal achievement you're most proud of or a significant challenge you've faced, particularly in the context of your heritage and community? How has this experience shaped your identity and aspirations?
I am excited that I have the opportunity to serve as the Founder of The Blackprint ICT, your destination for a premium retail experience featuring curated products that represent dynamic stories of diverse Black talent, dedication, integrity, and brilliance. From home décor to books and apparel, each intentionally selected brand contributes to our story. It is a story entrenched in culture, cause, and community. The Blackprint embodies my deep-seated desire to uplift, celebrate, and unify the Black community and to create the safe space I sought as a newcomer to Wichita. While I have served the Wichita community in several capacities, this is near to my heart as it brings an overwhelming amount of joy to create a space for over 30 local and national Black-owned brands.
Who are some of the figures in Black history, culture, or your personal life who have inspired you the most? How have their stories, struggles, or successes influenced your path, values, or goals?
It is challenging to name figures who have inspired me as so many Black Americans have played a crucial role in helping to advance America's business, political and cultural landscape into what it is today. From the first Black American woman to be elected to congress to your local neighborhood organizer, I am inspired by so many who have the zeal and tenacity to utilize their gifts to stand for what is right, rather than what is easy. The stories of struggle to those of triumph, each provides a perspective and motivates me to create space to celebrate and uplift my community.
Looking forward, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in your community, industry, or society at large in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What role do you see yourself or the next generation playing in making these aspirations a reality?
Systemic racism has hampered the ability for Black entrepreneurs to obtain funding to support their business dreams. While every entrepreneur needs supportive conditions to flourish, the funding ecosystem has certainly missed the mark. Racial bias in both lending and equity is the prime reason for Black entrepreneurs' struggle to obtain business funding. According to bankrate.com, "even with a strong credit profile, Black entrepreneurs are about half less likely than their white counterparts to secure full financing." I am grateful for organizations such as Create Campaign who are diligently working to advance inclusion in entrepreneurship. Yet, in order to make this a reality, it will take all of us. We must consider social and economic inequities when creating policies and use our gifts to move the mark! As Founder of The Blackprint ICT, I am enthusiastic about the future of Black business in Wichita and actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with business owners, organizations, and individuals to close the funding gap.
Desireé Allen (Cohort 5), Owner of Gloss Strategies
Can you share a personal achievement you're most proud of or a significant challenge you've faced, particularly in the context of your heritage and community? How has this experience shaped your identity and aspirations?
This may sound like a "given" to others, but for me, one of my proudest personal achievements is my family and the stereotypes we're slowly shattering by the grace of God. Coming from a single-parent home raised by my strong mother and grandmother, I'm proud that my husband and I are going on 15 years of marriage. We're humbled to have the opportunity to raise our daughter and son together, navigating life's challenges and triumphs as a united front. Together, we've accomplished six degrees between us, including our MBAs, purchased our second home, and traveled as a family. We're changing the trajectory of our family's story, one day at a time.
Who are some of the figures in Black history, culture, or your personal life who have inspired you the most? How have their stories, struggles, or successes influenced your path, values, or goals?
It's tough to narrow it down, as I have so many inspirations. If I had to choose a few, it would be Madam C.J. Walker, one of the first Black woman millionaires, who paved the way for entrepreneurial success. Michelle Obama's grace, intelligence, and resilience are self-explanatory inspirations. My mother's unwavering strength in her battles with cancer and her zest for life keep me inspired daily. And last but not least, my grandmother, the matriarch and glue of our family, embodies unselfishness, service, perseverance, and accountability – traits that guide me every step of the way.
Looking forward, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in your community, industry, or society at large in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion? What role do you see yourself or the next generation playing in making these aspirations a reality?
Looking ahead, I hope to see continued progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across sectors. Through my consulting firm, GLOSS Strategies, I strive to help minority and women entrepreneurs overcome barriers to launching and scaling businesses. My goal is to foster an ecosystem where more startups create jobs and build generational wealth in disadvantaged communities. I envision a society where underrepresented groups have greater representation in leadership positions, not just in numbers. I want to see systemic obstacles removed, creating an equitable playing field for all to succeed based on merit.
In my industry, DEI efforts must drive meaningful, sustainable change by cultivating cultures of belonging, investing in diverse talent, and holding leaders accountable. Transparency around diversity, pay equity, and promotions should become the norm. On a broader level, I envision DEI as a fundamental value woven into our institutions, policies, and societal narratives - a future where our differences are celebrated.
The next generation and I must catalyze this change by amplifying underrepresented voices, challenging the status quo, and holding leaders accountable. We can drive systemic shifts through our actions, advocacy, and leadership. I am committed to being a voice for change, mentoring diverse talent, and using my influence to create inclusive environments, turning these aspirations into reality.