The 6th annual Sistas in Sales Summit was a beacon of light for Black women ready to rewrite the narrative of the sales industry. In a world that paints the corporate landscape with shades of grey, this conference was a vibrant splash of color. It became a sanctuary of empowerment for Black women, breaking barriers and making their mark in the predominantly white male space. The summit was a celebration of excellence and a testament to the strength of unity in diversity. With style, substance, and sheer brilliance, it left no room for doubt. Black women are not just sitting at the table – they own it!
The 3-day event started with a special awards gala by Tai Beauchamp, an internationally renowned journalist, media personality, and co-founder. It was apparent that Black women came to be celebrated for their work in the industry.
When speaking to author and TV personality Bevy Smith, a speaker at the event, she shared her connection to the women attending.
“I’m really excited about being here. It means a lot to me. I’m a former sales director,” she explained. “To be in this setting means a lot because we didn’t have events like this for Black women in sales when I was a salesperson. You felt very alone. A lot of times, you felt one of one. I love what Sistas In Sales really represents.”
Later in the evening, keynote speaker Sheryl Lee Ralph shared words of wisdom with the crowd. She reminded everyone of their purpose and journey. Additionally, the actress made sure to note the importance of community.
“When you find yourself in that high-up office,” Ralph began. “Remember what it took to get you there? You didn’t make it on your own. You didn’t make it by yourself. A road was built for you to walk on and fly and rise up on.”
Ralph’s keynote address set the tone for the weekend. This year’s theme was “We Are Here,” signifying that Black women occupy this significant business sector. The summit focused on making sure women uplifted each other. Whether through networking or recruiting, plenty of women showed up for each other throughout the weekend. This was precisely what founder Chantel George wanted for this event when she founded it six years ago.
Enjoying The Sistas In Sales Summit
The rest of the three-day summit was just as powerful as the gala. There were several fireside chats with women who are seasoned vets in the industry, looking to share their insight with the masses. The event also had recruiters from companies, like Microsoft, looking to hire talent.
The summit ended with keynote speaker Kerry Washington, who spoke about her new book, “Thicker Than Water.” She shared with the crowd some themes from her book that many women in the room related to. Her talk inspired everyone to focus on being a Black woman, removed from business and work. Topics ranged from forgiveness to perfection and familial bonds, which everyone appreciated.
Being The Change You Want To See
When George first founded Sistas in Sales, she didn’t expect it to grow astoundingly.
“I have seen the importance for us to create content for the life cycle of a woman of color in sales,” she said about the growth she has seen since she started. “We have grown so much that we are now accommodating and supporting every stage of someone who wants to get into sales, thrive, become an executive, write a book, join a board from college up to the SVP level.”
George says that she would like to open up Sistas In Sales to become more wellness-inclusive moving forward.
“We’re taking a strong look at wellness. We’re taking a strong look at retreats and getaway spaces where we can re-center and protect ourselves,” she explained. “Other communities that are not as diverse have better work-life balance than women of color. I think it allows them to have fewer health risks and fewer challenges in their personal lives, and I want us to have the same.”
She recalled noticing throughout the summit that women were taking calls and sending emails during the event.
“I understand we all have goals to hit, but that soon becomes an addiction, a workaholic lifestyle. I really don’t want that for us.”
George says her growth as an entrepreneur is ever-changing, and she is excited to continue to grow Sistas In Sales.
“I’m a student of entrepreneurship, and I have a lot to learn, and I’m gonna continue to learn. You can’t be an entrepreneur without a vision,” she concluded. “So as long as I’m still inspired, and I still see an opportunity to create, and I still can be close to my community and its needs.”