BUILD YOUR CIRCLE

Dear Sister,

You were never meant to build your career alone.

Your education matters. Your experience matters. Your talent matters.

But so does your network.

Your network should be more than a list of LinkedIn connections. Build relationships with

people who encourage you, challenge you, introduce you to opportunities, share knowledge, and

tell you the truth.

Send the message.

Attend the conference.

Join the professional organization.

Ask someone to mentor you.

Become a mentor.

Make the introduction.

And don't underestimate the power of peer relationships. The woman sitting beside you today

may be the woman recommending you tomorrow.

We need professional communities where Black and Brown women can exchange knowledge,

open doors, share resources, and create opportunities for one another.

But remember: networking isn't about collecting people.

It's about building authentic relationships.

Ask yourself:

Who challenges me?

Who encourages me?

Who celebrates my growth?

Who sees potential in me?

And perhaps most importantly:

Whose potential am I helping to develop?

Affirmation: I build meaningful relationships that expand my leadership, purpose, and

possibilities.

Sister, don't just build a résumé.

Build your circle.

Dr. Conni