About Us

Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN) is a national professional development agency advancing career progression, leadership capability, and workplace equity for Black women through advisory engagements, leadership development, facilitated workshops, community programming, and employer partnerships.

What we do

At Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN), we deliver professional development solutions that equip Black women to navigate workplace complexities, accelerate their advancement, and lead with strategic clarity and confidence.

As a professional development agency, we provide advisory engagements, leadership training, and culturally attuned coaching that address the real workplace challenges Black women face. From navigating organizational politics to positioning for executive roles, we deliver the strategic support needed to build sustainable careers with intention and power.

We also partner with companies to advance workplace equity through customized leadership programs, facilitated workshops, and talent development solutions that create measurable impact for Black women professionals.

Why We Do This Work

Black women remain one of the most educated and ambitious demographics in the workforce, yet systemic barriers, bias, isolation, limited access to influential networks, and lack of sponsorship continue to hinder visibility and advancement. Excellence and credentials alone aren’t enough. Career success requires strategic navigation, workplace power skills, and support systems that understand the unique experiences Black women face in professional settings.

BCWN addresses these challenges directly. We help Black women build career security, develop workplace power skills, advocate effectively for themselves, and advance strategically not just survive, but thrive and lead on their terms.

Why It Matters—for Black Women

Navigating the workplace as a Black woman often means balancing ambition with resilience in environments not always mindful of their aspirations. Despite being highly educated and driven, Black women continue to face pay inequity, underrepresentation in leadership, microaggressions, and limited access to advisory and sponsorship.

Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN) exists to shift that reality. We provide Black women with strategic tools, culturally attuned guidance, and a supportive community to elevate their careers with confidence and clarity.

Our work helps Black Women

– Build career security through strategic planning, workplace navigation, and protection strategies

– Develop workplace power skills that position you for influence, visibility, and advancement

– Advocate effectively for your worth, contributions, and career goals without compromising authenticity

– Advance strategically by understanding organizational dynamics and positioning yourself for leadership opportunities

– Connect with community—a network of Black women who understand your journey and provide support, accountability, and insight

When Black women are equipped with strategic advisory support and a culturally attuned approach to professional development, they don’t just grow they lead, influence, and transform the spaces they occupy.

Our Values

Resilience

We help Black women build the strength, adaptability, and strategic mindset to navigate workplace challenges and bounce back from setbacks with confidence not just survive, but thrive through adversity.

Self-Advocacy

We champion Black women speaking up clearly and confidently for their worth, contributions, and advancement. We provide the language and strategies to effectively advocate for yourself with boundaries.

Cultural Relevance

We center Black women's lived experiences in every solution, engagement, and partnership. Our approach acknowledges workplace realities and provides guidance. No code-switch or diminishing yourself.

Strategic Empowerment

We believe power comes from knowledge, preparation, and strategic thinking. We equip Black women with the tools, frameworks, and insight they need to take control of their careers, proactively plan and make informed decisions.

Community Power

We recognize that Black women's success is interconnected. Cultivating supportive networks where experiences are shared, wisdom is exchanged, and collective strength amplifies individual advancement and personal growth.

Our Guiding Principles

We believe in....

Career advancement starts with strategic clarity about who you are professionally, what you bring, and where you’re headed

Black women deserve workplaces that recognize their full contributions without requiring code-switching or diminishment

Building workplace power skills navigation, influence, self-advocacy, and strategic positioning, is essential for sustainable success

Addressing the real challenges Black women face in professional environments requires culturally attuned guidance and practical strategies

Career security comes from proactive planning, risk awareness, and building professional equity that can’t be easily undermined

Community and shared wisdom amplify individual success—we advance further together than alone

Whether you’re establishing your early-career foundation, positioning for executive leadership, launching entrepreneurial ventures, or navigating organizational transitions, we all share the experience of being Black women charting our professional paths with intention and power.

How We Support - Black Women

Advisory Engagements

Strategic Career Guidance

Our advisory engagements provide one-on-one and group strategic support to help you navigate workplace dynamics, position for advancement, and build long-term career security through our proprietary framework.

Leadership Development

Strategic Career Guidance

We know mentors can be hard to find! That is why our national Mentoring program is comprised of carefully selected professionals, coaches, and entrepreneurs from all industries and career levels to offer professional advice and support.

Career Coaching

Culturally Attuned Support

Our coaching centers your lived experience as a Black woman. We provide the strategic insight, accountability, and guidance you need to navigate challenges, advocate effectively, and advance with strategy and authority.

Workshops & Training

Skill-Building for Career Power

Our interactive Career Anchor Labs equip you with practical workplace power skills, from strategic self-advocacy and negotiation to navigating organizational politics and protecting your career security.

Job Board Opportunities

Access to Quality Roles

Our curated job board connects you with organizations committed to diversity and inclusion. We also provide recruitment support, referrals, and connections to opportunities aligned with your career goals and aspirations.

Community & Connection

Networking with a Purpose

Connect with a national community of Black women professionals through our programming, events, and platforms. Build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and access collective wisdom that strengthens your connections.

Safe Space Conversations

Share. Learn, Be Heard.

Curated discussions designed to be a “sounding board“..Participate in facilitated discussions where you can openly share workplace experiences, gain strategic insight, and receive support from peers who understand.

Career Resources

Tools for Strategic Navigation

Access curated resources, frameworks, and tools designed to support your career decisions, professional development, and workplace navigation—available anytime through our mobile app and digital platforms.

Stay Connected On The Go!

Career Access in your pocket!

Our platform and resources are accessible anytime, anywhere 24/7 when you download our mobile app from the app store or Google Play.

Why Partnering with Companies Matters

At BCWN, we believe organizational success depends on developing all talent to their full potential. Our partnerships create measurable impact by addressing the leadership and retention challenges companies face with high-performing Black women professionals.

These partnerships matter because:

They strengthen leadership pipelines. Our programs develop high-potential Black women into confident, strategic leaders prepared for senior roles—expanding your internal leadership bench.
They improve retention. By providing culturally attuned development and support, we help organizations retain talented professionals who might otherwise leave due to lack of sponsorship or advancement opportunities.
They enhance organizational performance. When Black women have the tools and support to lead authentically and advance strategically, teams perform better and business results improve.
They build competitive advantage. Organizations that invest in developing all talent gain diverse leadership perspectives, stronger team dynamics, and enhanced ability to attract top professionals.

When organizations partner with BCWN, they’re not just supporting individuals they’re investing in proven leadership development that strengthens teams, improves retention, and builds sustainable business results.

Why it matters - For Companies

Developing and advancing Black women leaders is good practice and strategically essential. Organizations that partner with BCWN gain access to proven coaching and leadership development frameworks that strengthen talent pipelines, improve retention, and build high-performing teams.

We help companies:

Develop leadership capability by equipping Black women with the strategic thinking, executive presence, and influence skills required for senior roles.
Strengthen retention by creating environments where talented professionals feel supported, valued, and positioned for growth within your organization.
Build internal leadership pipelines through structured development programs that prepare high-potential Black women for advancement.
Improve team performance by fostering authentic leadership, psychological safety, and collaborative dynamics across your workforce.
Attract top talent by demonstrating investment in professional development and creating a culture where diverse leadership thrives.

Our work bridges the gap between talent and opportunity helping companies develop their workforce, strengthen leadership benches, and build cultures where Black women professionals advance and lead.

How We Support Companies

Leadership Development Programs

Customized cohort-based programs that build leadership capability, strategic thinking, and executive presence preparing high-potential Black women for senior and executive roles.

Executive & Professional Coaching

One-on-one and group coaching that develops critical leadership skills, builds confidence, and helps professionals navigate complex organizational dynamics and advance strategically.

Strategic Advisory Engagements

Consultation and guidance to help organizations assess leadership pipeline gaps, design talent development strategies, and implement programs that drive retention and advancement.

Community Partnerships

Opportunities to connect with BCWN’s national community of professionals through sponsorships, events, and partnerships that enhance your employer brand and talent attraction.

Talent Solutions

Access to a national network of talented Black women professionals across industries and career levels, with recruitment support, candidate referrals, and hiring assistance..

Facilitated Workshops

Interactive skill-building sessions focused on strategic communication, executive presence, workplace navigation, negotiation, and leading through organizational change.

Our Leadership Program Partnerships

BCWN partners with organizations to deliver high-impact leadership development programs that advance Black women and women of color into executive roles. Our work spans corporate partnerships, civic organizations, and community-based leadership initiatives.

Queen City Game Changers

Executive Leadership Development | Cincinnati

An 8-month leadership program developed by Kroger and Procter & Gamble to advance women into executive roles. Sherry serves as an executive coach within this prestigious program, which features curated curriculum, mentorship from senior leaders, and strategic networking for professionals and entrepreneurs. The program also includes a scholarship component for undergraduate women.

Regional Chamber of Cincinnati – WE Ascend Leadership for Women of Color

Leadership Program for Women of Color | 3 Months

In partnership with the Regional Chamber of Cincinnati, BCWN powers the WE Ascend Program for Women of Color. BCWN redesigned the curriculum, facilitates all workshops, and provides coaching throughout this intensive 3-month leadership development experience focused on advancing women of color in the workplace preparing for leadership roles.

WE Lead Women’s Leadership Program

Regional Cincinnati Chamber | 10 Months

Support as an executive coach and facilitation for the Regional Chamber of Cincinnati’s WE Lead Women’s Leadership Program, a comprehensive 10-month initiative designed to develop and advance women leaders across the Greater Cincinnati region.

Urban League – African American Leadership Program

Communicating with Power and Intention Workshop

BCWN signature training delivering strategic communication training for the Urban League’s African American Leadership Program, equipping directors level leaders and up with the skills to communicate confidently, influence decisions, and lead with authenticity and impact.

The Links Leadership Program for Girls

Youth Leadership Development

BCWN provides leadership training and development programming for The Links Leadership Program, investing in the next generation of Black women leaders by building foundational leadership skills, confidence, and professional capability in young women.

Additional Corporate & Community Partnerships

Beyond our signature programs, BCWN delivers customized workshops, coaching engagements, and leadership training for organizations committed to developing Black women professionals and women of color. Our culturally attuned approach and proven frameworks make us a trusted partner for companies, chambers of commerce, professional associations, and community organizations nationwide.

Member & Client Testimonials

Erin Jackson, MBA – Business Leader, Human Resources
“Sherry Sims is an accomplished career coach and facilitator for the WE Ascend program, which is part of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Leadership Center. Her work focuses on helping professionals—especially Black women—advance in their careers through coaching, mentoring, and leadership development. If you’re looking for a career strategist with a strong track record, she could be a great choice!”
Taren Kinebrew – Business Consultant
“I just completed Class 8 of the WE Ascend program facilitated by Sherry Sims. Sherry led us through a series of topics that were empowering and specific to Black women, especially in today’s corporate climate. She created a safe space for us to have real conversations about what we endure in the workplace. Her guidance and expertise were top notch.”
Lavonya Leonard, MPA – Senior Leader
“Sherry provided the grounding and strategic perspective I desperately needed. Her mantra, ‘strategy over emotion,’ became a guiding principle for me. She helped me reframe my experience and show up with intention. I highly recommend Sherry to anyone at a crossroad or needing help mapping out their next professional move.”
Kelly D. Robinson, CMP – Event Designer
“Sherry is a consummate professional who came to each session focused, prepared, and energized. Her thoughtful assignments helped me gain clarity and develop concrete strategies. She made me feel seen, heard, and empowered.”
Domonique Broomfield – Award-Winning Community Architect
“Working with Sherry Sims has been nothing short of transformative. Her coaching gave me the language, perspective, and tools to stand firm in my values while protecting my peace. She reminded me that my voice and well-being mattered—even in environments where that was being challenged.”
Meredith Dixie – Director, Strategic Consulting, Kroger Brands
“I had the pleasure of working with Sherry as a coach with Queen City Game Changers. Her corporate experience and insight left me inspired and motivated after every session. I’m grateful for her guidance—she’s one of the best!”

Sherry Sims - BCWN Founder and CEO

Sherry Sims is a trailblazing career strategist, leadership coach, and founder of Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN), a national community helping Black women achieve professional success. With over 20 years of experience as a Human Resources professional, she has led in Talent Acquisition and DEI, using her expertise to champion equity and inclusive advancement.

A recognized thought leader, Sherry’s insights have been featured in The New York Times, Essence, and more. She is also a regular FOX19 career expert, sharing practical advice on workplace culture and career growth.

Through BCWN, she provides mentorship, leadership development, and resources to close career gaps for Black women at every stage. In 2023, she was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame by the African American Chamber of Commerce in Cincinnati for her impact and service.

Sherry continues to inspire and guide professionals and organizations to reach their full potential through coaching, strategy, and intentional leadership.