Sherry Sims
Founder of Black Career Women's Network
Chief Career Strategist | Speaker | Coach | Future Author

HERStory
Why BCWN was created
In 2008, driven by the need for a black female mentor, Sherry fearlessly launched the Black Career Women’s Network as a forum on LinkedIn. Her goal was to foster a community where black women could connect, seek career advice, and network despite the initial lack of interest. Initially, the forum struggled to attract members, so Sherry ignored the group. Several years later, she relocated and developed a desire to utilize her experience in a different way, deciding to change careers after over a decade of working in the human resources industry. She became a career coach.
She discovered a passion for helping people strive for career success, and during this time, black women began to seek her out for career advice. She soon discovered that other professional black women, like herself, were experiencing similar or varied challenges in the workplace. This inspired her to take action. She also revisited the LinkedIn group, which had quickly gained traction since she became a career coach.
With her newfound passion, Sherry decided to focus on helping black women. In 2012, she used the name of her linked group and expanded the Black Career Women’s Network offline into a national organization. This expansion has significantly increased the network’s reach and impact, offering professional development programs, coaching, mentoring, resources, and a community to provide exclusive support.
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, since its official inception in 2012, the Black Career Women’s Network has supported and empowered Black women worldwide. It has been a significant force that has created an environment that encourages women to take control of their professional lives and excel in their chosen fields. The network’s impact extends globally, and its collective support has empowered countless women.
With over 1,600+ members globally, corporate partners, career coaches, and more. Sherry prefers to keep the exclusive community intentionally small yet powerful, focusing on actual results and impact. BCWN remains 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’s expertise and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and has been featured as a Careers Expert on Cincinnati’s FOX19 affiliate. Her advice, recognized for its value, has been featured in esteemed national print and digital publications, including Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, US News, The New York Times, and CNBC, further solidifying her as a respected figure in the industry. Her recognition and awards are a testament to her success and a source of inspiration for others.
In addition to national recognition, Sherry has been recognized and featured in local publications where she resides, in Cincinnati, Ohio, including the 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. In 2023, she was honored by the African American Chamber of Commerce Greater Cincinnati with the Black Business Hall of Fame Award.
Her vision of further growth and Impact for BCWN
“BCWN has grown into the premier network that Black women turn to for the support, strategy, and sisterhood they need to define and achieve success on their own terms. As professional Black women, we must continue to learn from one another—and we need spaces like this. I’ve lived the challenges: being the only one in the room, facing bias, being overlooked for promotions, and even being pushed out of a job. It happened to me, too. That’s why this work is personal. There’s no magic formula for success, but with the right strategies, support, and community—it’s never too late to reach your professional goals.
There is no 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, Founder & CEO

Finding Purpose

Finding purpose does not come easily for everyone. The journey requires patience, courage, self-awareness, and the ability to think strategically and be intentional.
“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 for your purpose. Trust who you are, know your worth, discover your strengths, and work on your purpose!
What I Do
How I contribute to supporting the careers of black women directly by motivating, inspiring, and educating to creating change.

Speaker
- Risk Taker, Dream Maker
- Unleashing Your Potential
- Success Never Stands Still
- Framing Your Future
- Distinctively YOU

Coaching & Mentoring
- Career Success Strategies
- New Grads
- Situational Coaching
- Inclusive Leadership
- Career Transition

Workshops & Training
- Defining Your Professional Identity
- Leadership Boss Moves
- Getting Clear On Your Career Goals
- Mastering Workplace Culture & Politics
- Become a Fierce Self-Advocate
Media
The New York Times
Talent LMS
Women of Cincy
Madame Noire
Cincinnati Business Courier
Madame Noire
Leaving A Toxic Work Environment For Something New
Women Lead Here
Ask the Experts: How do I network after being laid off in a new city
Diversity Woman
Ruby Magazine
Career Advice for the New Year
Hello Beautiful
Her Agenda
Hone These Skills To Master A Different Approach To Relationship Building
Playlist

3:19

3:51

2:13

How to Recognize Gaslighting in the Workplace

4 Career Moves You Should Make in 2016

Six Things You Should Do While Unemployed
