Sherry Sims
Founder of Black Career Women's Network
HR Professional | Diversity & Inclusion Leader | Career Strategist | Creative | Trailblazer
Why Black Career Women's Network was created
Inspired in 2008 to create an online forum due to a lack of access to black female mentors, Sherry created a LinkedIn group named Black Career Women's Network. The purpose was to connect with other black women and obtain career advice. Sherry forgot about the group, but several years later, after working over two decades as a Talent Acquisition professional in the Human Resources industry, she desired to utilize her experience differently and became a Career Coach. She discovered a passion for helping people strive for career success during this time. That's when black women began to seek her out for career advice. She soon discovered other professional black women like herself were experiencing similar or various challenges in the workplace. The LinkedIn group also began to gain traction. So, with her newfound passion, she decided to specifically help black women and decided to expand the Black Career Women's Network offline into a national organization that offers professional development programs, coaching, mentoring, and community to provide exclusive support.
Since 2012, BCWN has continued to be a beacon of support and empowerment for Black women in their professional pursuits. Fostering an environment that inspires them to take charge of their professional destinies, enabling them to elevate themselves, lead with distinction, and shine brightly in their chosen fields. Remaining committed to breaking down barriers and amplifying opportunities, ensuring that Black women have the tools and resources they need to excel in the workplace and beyond.
Sherry has received numerous awards and appears as a Careers Expert on Cincinnati's FOX19 affiliate. Her expert advice has been featured in national print and digital publications such as Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, US News, The New York Times, and CNBC. In addition to local publications in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she resides. Such as Cincinnati Business Courier, Cincy Chic, Cincinnati Herald, WLWT 5, and Who's Who Cincinnati. Sherry was listed as one of the Top 20 Career Coaches to follow in 2020.
Her Vision for Career Growth, Access, and Opportunity
BCWN has grown to be the leading premier network that black women are utilizing to find the support they need to achieve their definition of success. As professional black women, we must continue to learn from each other, and we need this! I've experienced
workplace challenges, and I know what it's like to be pushed out of your job, being the only one, dealing with bias, overlooked for a promotion, because it happened to me also! There is not a magic formula for achieving success in your career. However, armed with the right strategies, it's never too late to achieve your professional goals." ~ Sherry Sims.
Finding Purpose
"I want every Black Career Woman to be empowered and have equal consideration for growth opportunities to work in her highest potential, equipped to handle workplace challenges, and experience freedom and fulfillment at work."
My favorite quote from a well-known pastor says, "The life God gave you is larger than the life you've been living." For me, this quote is confirmation that we must strive to live our best life and use the unique gifts God has given us. It's our job to discover what they are and use them to work in your purpose. Trust who you are, know your worth, discover your strengths, and work your purpose!
