About Us

Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN) is a professional development consultancy offering career coaching and leadership development for Black women.

What we do

We built Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN) because we understand what it takes to navigate a career as a Black woman, and we knew we needed support that matched that reality. Over the past decade of working with Black women, we identified four areas that consistently surfaced as what women needed most for career advancement, professional growth, and leadership readiness. That discovery helped us create the Career Authority Method™, a framework built on four Career Power Anchors: Self-Advocacy, Workplace Power Skills, Career Security & Protection, and Strategic Advancement. Whether you’re early in your career or already a recognized name in your industry, whether you’re gaining clarity on your next move, positioning for advancement, protecting yourself in a difficult workplace, or navigating a full career pivot, we give you the strategy to move with authority, not just ambition.

 

Why We Do This Work

Black women remain one of the most educated and ambitious demographics in the workforce. Yet systemic barriers, bias, isolation, and limited access to sponsorship and influential networks continue to hinder visibility and advancement. Excellence and credentials alone were never enough. Career success requires strategic navigation, workplace power skills, and support that understands what Black women actually face in professional spaces.
BCWN addresses that directly, helping women build career security, develop workplace power skills, advocate for themselves, and advance strategically. Not just to survive, but to thrive and lead on their own 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. Excellence and credentials alone were never enough.

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.

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.

How We Support Individuals

  • Single Strategy Session — A focused, one-time strategy call for the woman who needs sharp, immediate direction on a specific decision or challenge.
  • Coaching Collective — Ongoing, monthly membership, self-directed support and community for women building career authority at their own pace.
  • Career Authority Coaching Program — A 90-day, 1:1 coaching engagement anchored the Career Power Anchors, built for women ready to move with more authority and confidence.
  • Leadership Readiness Coaching — Built for new and emerging leaders stepping into their first leadership seat.
  • Leadership + Advisory Coaching — Our most advanced tier, built for director-level leaders and above who need strategic advisory support, not just coaching.

 

Our Values

Fortitude

When we share our wins, failures, and real challenges, we build the strength to keep moving, and encourage other women to share too.

Self-Advocacy

We speak up clearly and truthfully about our professional worth and effectively advocate with boundaries

Ownership

We take ownership of our careers, our decisions, and our next move, we don't wait for permission or wait to be picked.

Strategic Empowerment

We achieve our goals through proactive action, strategic planning, and follow-through, not wishful thinking.

Connection

We show up for each other, because no woman builds her career authority alone. We need to cheer for each other.

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

Leadership readiness at each level is critical to success. Understanding what it takes to be a leader from a front line manager to a VP will help you be a well rounded leader and impactful with team will be high level performers and long term employees. 

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 Growth

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 Advancement

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.

Structure Platform

Manage your over career objectives

Our platform and resources are accessible anytime, anywhere 24/7  to keep you on the right track to accomplish your goals. 

Why Partnering with Companies Matters

We partner with organizations that want to build stronger leadership pipelines, develop and retain their Black women talent.

Our corporate work includes:

  • Leadership development programming built specifically for Black women in the pipeline
  • Talent strategy advisory, drawing on our founder’s background building Talent Acquisition and Talent Development functions from the ground up
  • Speaking and facilitation for corporate audiences and ERGs
  • Access to a national network of accomplished Black women professionals for recruitment and referral partnerships

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.

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.

Leadership Program Partners

 

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 and WE Lead Leadership program for women

In partnership with the Regional Chamber of Cincinnati, this intensive 3-month leadership development experience focuses on advancing women of color in the workplace, preparing them for leadership roles, and supporting the WE Lead Women’s Leadership Program, a 10-month initiative to develop and advance women leaders in the Greater Cincinnati region.

 

Urban League – African American Leadership Program

Communicating with Power and Intention Workshop

BCWN signature training delivers strategic communication training for the Urban League’s African American Leadership Program, equipping director-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.

 

Cincinnati Works

Professional 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 – Financial Center Manager
    “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 
    “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

Sherry Sims

Founder, Career Strategist & Talent Development Leader

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 advisory, 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.

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