Sisters Doing It For Themselves Sisters Doing It For Themselves

This year, for Women’s History Month, BET celebrates Black women who are boldly taking up space in places no one ever expected them to be. These 20 women are leaders of industry, political avengers, tycoons of business, and creative artists. We start with three Black women who are carving out distinguished career pathways as they stand lockstep with one of the most powerful figures in New York City politics. Here are the Black women making history today. By: Renee Washington AND Ali McPherson

Here are several of the most influential disruptors, innovators and changemakers hitting our radar this month.

Ice Spice

This 23-year-old rapper might be new to the game, but she is getting the seal of approval from hip-hop vets like Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill, Cardi B and Drake. Touted as the female face of Bronx Drill and "Rap’s New Princess," Ice Spice made waves after her song, "Munch" became a hit with the lyrics, "you thought I was feelin’ you?" Ice Spice gained even more popularity after being featured on British singer PinkPantheress’ infectious hit song, "That Boy’s a Liar Part II. She dropped her first album, Like…" in January 2023 to solid reviews, and based on her rising popularity, this talented, fashion darling is just getting started.–AM

Courtney Balgrove and Zan B.R.

For the owners of Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, a plant-based ice cream company, having a small business isn’t always easy, but it sure is worth it. Founders Courtney Blagrove and Zan B.R. are not just business partners, they are sisters who wanted to see alternative (but still yummy) ice cream options on the market. The duo created the first oat milk soft-serve "Ice Crème" to appease the 80% of Black Americans who are lactose intolerant. Despite a brief shutdown during the pandemic, their NYC shop is still going strong. The entrepreneurs will open another location soon in West Hollywood, CA. –AM

Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley

For years, Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, MD, MPH, has fought on the frontlines to ensure all women have the right to proper reproductive healthcare. She has seen firsthand the traumatic and fatal consequences some women face around the world. After serving as chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood, she became the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Maryland. Today, McDonald-Mosley leads Power to Decide, a non-profit agency dedicated to providing quality sexual health information, contraception, and support whose goal is to advance reproductive well-being. She told Ms. Magazine, "Access to abortion care is critical for people to have control over their reproductive health and to ensure an environment where all—regardless of who they are or where they live—can achieve the reproductive outcomes they want."–AM

Marian Croak

This awe-inspiring engineer is known for advancing the capabilities of audio and video conferencing while also encouraging more women and girls to find careers in the field. After all, Marian Croak was inspired to pursue engineering to feed her fascination with how things work and how technology can be used to positively influence people’s lives. The native New Yorker worked at AT&T for several years before becoming vice president of engineering at Google. There she leads the Research Center for Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology. Croak also holds over 200 patents, and her research led to the technology that allows people to use text to donate to charities.–AM

Dia Sims

Billboard magazine twice named her as “One of the Most Powerful Executives in the Industry,” so it’s easy to understand why D’Angela “Dia” Simms epitomizes the word success. After several years of working alongside Sean Diddy Combs at Combs Enterprises and later becoming the first president of the company (other than Combs himself), the extraordinary executive became the CEO of Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal. Simms is also doing her part behind the scenes to open doors for the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. She co-founded Pronghorn, a 10-year initiative to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion in the spirits industry while also generating $2 billion in economic value.–AM

Nicole Lynn

This trailblazer left her mark in the sports industry after she became the first woman agent at PlayersRep, a top NFL agency. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, Nicole Lynn is likely the youngest female sports agent in the industry, having signed her first client at just 26. Subsequent clients include players with the Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins; a ballerina from the American Ballet Theater and Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts, who made it to the Super Bowl this year. Lynn says, "I owe every bit of success I’ve achieved to my extremely dedicated work ethic and my unwavering faith in God."–AM

Paulana Lamonier

Remember the age-old stereotype about Black people not knowing how to swim? Well, Paulana Lamonier is over it and refuses to allow that archaic notion to live on. Once a competitive swimmer who learned how to swim at an early age, Lamonier wants all Black folks to learn to become proficient swimmers using her mission F.A.C.E. (Fun, Awareness, Community, Education). She established Black People Will Swim as a way to get Black people to “face” their fears. Lamonier told PEOPLE, “When you see someone who looks like you, who talks like you, who understands where you're from, you're like, 'I see myself.' It encourages people to want to learn."–AM

Sheena Allen

When Sheena Allen noticed that many Americans—some 63 million to be exact—were unbanked and underbanked, the Mississippi native set out to find a solution. "They were charging these exorbitant interest rates and trapping them in a cycle that not only made it hard to pay off the loan but also difficult for them to save money," says Allen. After working with Rev Tech Labs, an incubator firm that invests in startup companies in the tech and healthcare spaces, an idea came to her on how to break this cycle. In 2019, the fintech expert created CapWay, a digital banking hub that provides financial services for all. Today, CapWay has more than 1 million monthly visitors. Not bad for the little Black girl from a country town in Mississippi who is making sure her people have better options.–AM

Rosezena J. Pierce, ESQ.

This successful entrepreneur is all about educating her clients on protecting their brands, artistry, and businesses. In 2019, Rosezena J. Pierce was named one of the Top 100 Trademark Attorneys in the U.S. Through her law firm, RJ Pierce Law Group P.C., she has worked with clients in the beauty, hip-hop, and restaurant industries, among others. Known as the "Biz Lawyer," Pierce stresses to her clients that there is power in ownership. Not only is Pierce opening doors for other Black women in trademark law through her amazing team, but she’s a guiding force for those in underserved communities who deserve proper representation.–AM

Autumn Lockwood

If you were one of the 113 million viewers who tuned into Super Bowl LVII this year and witnessed the Philadelphia Eagles stellar performance, then you are aware of Philadelphia Eagles’ assistant sports performance coach Autumn Lockwood’s work. Lockwood made history as the first Black woman to coach in a Super Bowl game and became only the fourth woman to coach in a Super Bowl. Lockwood earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of Arizona and received her master’s in sports management from East Tennessee State University. Although her team didn’t win, Coach Lockwood is proof that women have a place on NFL staffs.–AM

Danielle Holley

When it comes to inspiring Black people to succeed, Danielle Holley is quite the advocate. A gifted attorney and scholar, Holley was recently appointed as president of Mount Holyoke College. It’s an achievement no Black woman could have ever imagined when the college first opened in 1837. Now, after 186 years, Holley is the first and starts on July 1. Until then, she will complete her term as dean of the Howard University School of Law. Holley told the Connecticut Public, “...The doors are open for us. With an education like the education that you get at Mount Holyoke, you are ready to step into any room, into any opportunity.”–AM

Bobbi Wilson

In October 2022, Bobbi Wilson, a gifted 9-year-old Jersey native with a passion for S.T.E.M., became the victim of racial profiling. While doing her part to help eradicate lanternflies, which are harmful to trees and other plants, Wilson created a lanternfly repellent. She was making her way from tree to tree in her neighborhood when a white man, who also lived in the community, called the police. After the encounter, her family, along with scholars and scientists, rallied around the budding entomologist. And as an added honor, Yale University recently entered her collection of 27 spotted lanternflies into their Peabody Museum of Natural History database.–AM

Saria Gwin-Maye

It’s one thing to have big dreams; it’s another to end up at President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address sitting in the First Lady’s box only to receive a shoutout for your achievements. Saria Gwin-Maye was recognized by Biden for her work as a member of Ironworkers Local 44, also known as the ‘cowboys of the sky’ as Biden referenced during his speech. The gifted ironworker has been building bridges and other infrastructure for 30 years and will climb as high as 10 stories to help repair the Brent Spence Bridge between Kentucky and Ohio over the Ohio River. This union veteran is a force to be reckoned with.–AM

DR. Dinee Simpson

For this Chicago-based surgeon, it was not an option to simply wait for things to get better in the healthcare system, especially for Black patients. Dinee Simpson decided to be the change she wanted to see. She became the state of Illinois' first Black female transplant surgeon. Simpson, who treats patients at Northwestern Medicine, established the African American Transplant Access Program (AATAP), an initiative that engages with communities to improve awareness of disease prevention and treatment options. The program aims to reverse centuries of medical injustices within the organ transplant process. Simpson told NYU, "As a Black woman, I thought I could build trust in a system that has historically mistreated Black patients." –AM

Dr. Tarika Barrett

Ask Dr. Tarika Barrett why she does what she does, and she’d say, “To disrupt the status quo.” As the CEO of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit aiming to shrink the gender gap in tech, Barrett is changing the way S.T.E.M. looks. Encouraged by her grandmother at a young age to take her education seriously, Barrett excelled and would later graduate from the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Girls Who Code now serves approximately 500,000 students from underrepresented communities, giving them the tools they need to succeed. Barrett is living proof that knowledge is power.–AM

Justine Lindsay

When it comes to breaking boundaries, becoming the face for what’s possible for kids and teens, and living as her authentic self, Justine Lindsay is truly making waves as the first openly transgender NFL cheerleader. In March 2022, she announced via Instagram that she had joined the Carolina Panthers TopCats cheerleaders. She recently told Tamron Hall that now is her time. "At the end of the day, I am a woman who loves to dance; I always put dance in front of everything." –Ali McPherson

She has been dubbed “The Lioness of City Hall,'' “the fixer,” and “the gatekeeper.” After a nearly 40-year friendship with the mayor, Lewis-Martin has his ear, but most importantly, his ultimate trust.

Order, structure and discipline are second nature to Varlack who is responsible for the operational excellence of City Hall.

Doing It For Themselves

Sisters

SEE OUR LIST OF OTHER BLACK WOMEN TRAILBLAZERS

SHEENA

Wright

“Under Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom’s leadership, we are creating a city that meets the needs of all women and girls. We are bringing an all hands on deck, holistic approach to addressing women’s health, from how we educate young women of color in our school system on their bodies to utilizing data-driven evidence to advance the health of all women in our city.”

"I am proud to be a part of an administration that understands the importance of being open and transparent on women’s health," says Wright, who is comfortable bringing all aspects of her full self (and that includes being a Black mother) to the job.

The statistics around Black maternal health in the U.S. are dismal and got even worse after the pandemic. It exposed the significant impact of reproductive injustice leading to an increasingly high maternal mortality rate for Black mothers and their babies. Among other initiatives, the mayor’s plan will relaunch the Sexual Education Task Force to better equip city schools with the resources to teach young people about sexual wellness and inclusivity. A new Abortion Access Hub will refer callers seeking medical intervention from other states to resources at various clinics in New York City. Doula and midwifery services will expand along with education campaigns for pregnant women experiencing hypertension and diabetes.

After only a year in office, she believes that the entire team has made meaningful and measurable progress. One example is Mayor Adams’ new plan to reimagine women’s healthcare in New York City and create the kind of model other cities can follow.

“I don't know a lot about football, but the role of the First Deputy Mayor is to ensure that the administration is achieving and accomplishing its goals and its mission, like the offensive coordinator trying to move the ball down the field,” explains Wright. “All of the deputy mayors and some of the chiefs report directly to me, plus all the agencies that are connected to that as well.”

Courage and confidence helped her overcome challenges as a Black student at George School, a boarding school with majority white students in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. At age 16, Wright attended Columbia College, where she ran varsity track and field and graduated in 1990. She attended Columbia Law School and graduated in 1994. Wright immediately got a job at the law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and became only the second Black woman attorney employed there. Then she shattered the glass ceiling becoming the first woman president and CEO of the United Way of New York City. It was there that Adams cherry-picked her to be his second in command.

Family laid the foundation for Wright, who explains that she is only continuing the legacy started by generations of strong women who came before her. “I grew up in a loving, supportive community. We were poor, but there was love and support,” says Wright.

The daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Wright has broken many glass ceilings for women, especially Black women. She admits that she is all too familiar with the pressure that comes with being a trailblazer.

t’s a challenge to be the first in anything, but to take on that challenge as a Black woman in public office requires a certain bold determination. When Sheena Wright was appointed First Deputy Mayor of New York City by Mayor Eric Adams, she became the first Black woman to ever hold the position, and she fully understands the extra weight and responsibility that come with that title.

Instead of being seen as a Black woman empowered to bring about positive change, Lewis-Martin believes she was labeled a disruptive nuisance or just completely ignored altogether. It took years for her to have the confidence in these spaces to be her authentic self and find her voice.

Recently, Adams and District 37 (DC 37), the largest public employee union in New York, representing roughly 150,000 members and 89,000 retirees, announced a new five-plus year tentative contract agreement. Lewis-Martin played a vital role in finalizing that deal. The agreement provides better wages and benefits to nearly 25% of the city’s total unionized workforce, among other changes that improve employees’ overall quality of life.

Although she is thriving in her position today, Lewis-Martin acknowledges that getting here has not been easy. Thirty years ago, she was a Social Studies teacher at IS 320 in Brooklyn and then worked with an elected official, who attempted to stifle her work and voice.

“If there's a particular issue or a situation that's stopping our agenda from moving forward, I'm brought in to do my best to get a positive resolution,” says Lewis-Martin. “It's been tremendous, and I love it.”

Today, as the “real life Olivia Pope of City Hall,” one of the many monikers imposed upon her, Lewis-Martin uses that same dedication to service in her job. And it makes sense seeing how she and Mayor Eric Adams have been friends since 1984, when her husband, Glenn D. Martin and Adams were in the police academy together. Now, Lewis-Martin says working alongside Adams is like a “breath of fresh air.”

A native of Brooklyn, Lewis-Martin grew up in a family where everyone, including the women, were encouraged to give back to the community. “[You would] walk into my home and see homeless people getting a meal from my parents.”

"I'm a positive person; I really try to look at things from a positive perspective. Even if it's something that's bad, I try to figure out how we can get the good out of the bad," she explains.

tanding alongside her colleagues during the BET photoshoot, Chaplain Ingrid Lewis-Martin sticks her tongue out playfully to break up the serious power poses taking place in the room. She admits working in government can be exhausting at times, so whenever possible, she likes to have fun.

Chaplain

INGRID

Lewis-Martin

Camille

Joseph Varlack

“When I came home in the afternoon, she had already left to go to work,” Varlack recalls of her school routine with her mom. “She left my dinner and I would sit down, do my homework, do a puzzle or whatever, and it was like that for years. She just worked so hard.”

Focused on Adams’ mission of “getting stuff done,” Varlack continues to stand on the strong foundation her mother built for her as she paves the way to create space for others to have a seat at the table.

“As an immigrant, I understand what their journey has been like,” Varlack shares. “The trauma that they have experienced… [our administration] is making sure that we're treating them fundamentally with respect and helping them to get what they need.”

The University of Buffalo, and Brooklyn Law School alum also explains that as her career has grown, so has her support system. “None of us can do this on our own. For me, it's really my husband's family that's here, and they have been incredibly supportive. My children have been especially supportive, as I’ve chased storms and crises all over New York, which I know has been hard.”

Varlack’s motivation stems from her experiences as a young girl emigrating with her family from Trinidad and Tobago and then settling in Rochester, N.Y. After much sacrifice and hard work, she eventually became an American citizen and now strives to pay it forward providing others with the same opportunity.

In December 2022, Varlack was officially named the Chief of Staff for New York City’s second Black mayor, Eric Adams. She is now the second Black woman to hold the role in the city’s history.

“I always wanted to be a lawyer. I've never thought about doing anything else,” says Varlack. “I went to law school and wanted to be a prosecutor and thought it was, for the most part, the greatest job ever.”

lementary school children are often asked what they want to be when they grow up. For six-year-old Camille Joseph Varlack, watching shows like Matlock as a kid, she imagined herself in the courtroom.

As the first Black woman to ever hold the position, Wright is shattering glass ceilings so other women can rise to the top with her.

lementary school children are often asked what they want to be when they grow up. For six year old Camille Joseph Varlack, growing up watching shows like Matlock, she imagined herself in the courtroom.

“I always wanted to be a lawyer. I've never thought about doing anything else,” says Varlack, “I went to law school and wanted to be a prosecutor and thought it was, for the most part, the greatest job ever.”

But Varlack’s childhood dream began to evolve as she realized she liked solving problems and crisis management. “[I’ve worked on] anything from shark attacks to emergencies, pandemics, just the whole sort of gamut. And I loved it, I love the work,” Varlacks says with a smile, “I love the crazy nature of it. I love just all of that. So, that sort of sent me on a path towards really thinking about crisis, risk, and operations.”

In December 2022 Varlack was officially named the Chief of Staff for Mayor Adams administration in New York City, becoming the second Black woman to hold the role in the city’s history.. Sitting at a table in her office with colleagues, she has two tablets, two cell phones, a whiteboard of listed agenda items behind her, and an overflowing journal of notes. Across the room, there are multiple computer monitors at her desk and another whiteboard of agenda items. With days that can range from anytime around 7 a.m to 9 p.m, this is a normal morning for Varlack.

“I really think of my voice to sort of pull all the pieces together across all those within the government. So it's coordinating and troubleshooting.” she says. Her motivation stems from experiences as a young girl immigrating from Trinidad and Tobago with her family and she eventually became an American citizen as an adult.. Varlack’s mother brought her and her family to the United States for a better life and she now strives to pay it forward to provide others the same opportunity. But it was far from easy for her family in a single parent household in Rochester, N.Y. She saw the sacrifice and hard work her mom modeled for her cousin, sister, and her.

“We used to wash our clothes and shake them up,” Vargas recalls on her school routine with her mom, something she chuckles her kids would know nothing about. “She put me on a bus and when I came home in the afternoon, she would have already gone to work. She would have left my dinner for me and I would sit down, do my homework, do a puzzle or whatever, and that was it for years. She just worked so hard.”

“I've had an opportunity to work very closely with Deputy Mayor, Anne Williams-Isom, who's another incredible woman in the administration. We've had more than 43,000 people who have come into New York City. And to me, particularly as an immigrant, understanding what their journeys have been and their path has been, is horrible,” Varlack shared. “The trauma that they have experienced… making sure that we're treating them fundamentally with respect and helping them to get what they need.”

It did not get any easier attending an Irish Catholic HighSchool, where she was often the only Black person in certain classes. However, she has used these experiences to help in various areas of her work on initiatives within her career that align with who she is personally as well as professionally, especially the work around COVID and asylum seekers.

Varlack has also worked to give back and ensure there is more diversity in law and government. She helped build a law firm, Bradford, Edwards & Varlack LLP alongside Patrick A. Bradford and Denver G. Edwards with the focus of providing diverse attorneys with opportunities. The University of Buffalo, and Brooklyn Law School alum now mirrors the hard work, purpose, and love for her job that she saw her mother juggle for many years. “When I was serving on the pandemic task force, I’d speak to her every morning as I was getting ready to walk up the hill to the Capitol. She would always leave me with words of strength,” remarks Varlack, “I still speak to her on the way in, and she continues to do the same thing.” She shares that fortunately as her career has grown, so has her support system, “None of us can do this on our own. For me, it's really my husband's family that's here and they have been incredibly supportive,”shares Varlack, “My children have been supportive, as I chased storms and crises all over New York, which I know has been hard.” And with so much going on, you have to wonder how she manages it all. Her key way to stay productive… focus. Within Mayor Adams’ administration, when it comes to the team's popular coined term ‘getting stuff done’, that is the key backbone of all the work Varlack has done in her Career.

Joseph Varlack

Camille

Building On Her Mother’s Legacy Through Public Service

A Trinidadian immigrant, the Chief of Staff to New York Mayor Eric Adams dreamed of making a major contribution, and now she’s doing it.

Lewis-Martin

INGRID

Chaplain

An Olivia Pope For NYC

hat happens when you mix a lioness with Olivia Pope from Scandal? You get Chaplain Ingrid Lewis-Martin the first Chief Advisor to the Mayor, in New York City history. Standing alongside her colleagues for some headshots, Lewis-Martin sticks a tongue out playfully to break up the serious power pose for a light

laugh. She admits working in government can be exhausting at times, so she likes to have fun with it. “I'm a positive person, I really try to look at things from a positive perspective. Even if it's something that's bad, I try to figure out how we can get the good out of the bad,” she explains.

That is evident as you take a step into Lewis-Martin’s brightly lit office. A refreshing eucalyptus smell rushes in. Large, colorful plants grab attention, as does a sign paraphrasing the biblical verse Isaiah 54:17: ‘No weapon formed against me shall prosper.’ A native of Brooklyn, Lewis-Martin grew up in a family where everyone, including women, were encouraged to give back to the community and speak up in an articulate, respectful way. “[You would] walk into my home, and see homeless people back in the 70’s and 80’s, getting a meal from my parents,” she said.

It was in fourth grade she first remembered getting involved with activism. Her teacher, Ms. Scott, encouraged the class to make picket signs and protest the A&P supermarket which at the time, would not hire Black people. Now as Chief Advisor and a “real life Olivia Pope” as her colleagues refer to her, minus the scandal, she is often described as the “Lioness of City Hall,” protecting the Mayor. She is also one of the only ones that can tell Mayor Adams the truth at times. After all, Lewis-Martin and Mayor Adams have been friends for decades dating back to when her husband and Adams were in the police academy together and she could pick up her beeper to contact him.

Working alongside Adams, in a space where everyone has a voice has been a “breath of fresh air” as she says. Adams’ administration is focused on ‘getting stuff done, a phrase that is often heard ringing through discussions and interviews. “If there's a particular issue or a situation that's stopping our agenda from moving forward, I'm brought in to do my best to get a positive resolution. It's been tremendous and I love it,” says Lewis-Martin.

total unionized workforce among other changes that improve employees’ overall quality of life. Although thriving within her role, it was not always easy for the proud grand-ma-ma to feel welcome. “It was very difficult for me when I first started out with Mayor Adams in particular, because I was the only woman at the table amongst men of all shapes.”

Recently, Mayor Adams and District 37 (DC 37), the largest public employee union in New York, re presenting roughly 150,000 members and 89,000 retirees, announced a new five-plus year tentative contract agreement. Lewis-Martin played a vital role in finalizing the deal. The agreement provides better wages and benefits to nearly 25% of the city’s

She believes as a Black woman in power, 25 to 30 years ago instead of being seen as ‘the Olivia Pope,’ she’d be seen in a negative, disrespectful manner. It took decades to have confidence in these spaces to be her authentic self and find her voice. Even once she found it, as a woman of Barbadian and Panamanian heritage, it took time being allowed to use it in the same rooms as her White, male colleagues. “I set the meeting up. And I'm told by my former principal that I can't come into the meeting, says Lewis-Martin, “And I was like, not only will I be in that meeting, I will be at the table and my voice will be heard, or there will be no meeting.” She was, in fact, in the meeting. However this was not the first or last time Lewis-Martin had to speak up for herself. “So then you get a certain reputation as being difficult. And being a B-*-T-C-H, which I'm neither.” After fighting to be in the meetings, she still was not always heard. Lewis-Martin recalls several instances where her ideas were dismissed or taken, forcing her to speak up for herself. “You're not going to marginalize me on that level. That was my concept. That was my idea. And if we're going to implement it, that's cool, but you will not get credit for it,” she expresses. Lewis-Martin has leaned on family and faith to get through challenges. “[I dealt with] people that are trying to be disruptive. And they come out as if they're trying to be positive, but they have their own agenda. So it was hard for me.. And I know it's God, that it has gotten much easier because I stayed the course and I stayed true to who I am.”

The one-time fourth grader who protested at an A&P grocery, is now fighting to make a difference. She hopes that Adams’ Administration can prove that despite what men in society say, women can work together, but she is also fighting to trail blaze a path that shows what is possible when Black people have a seat at the table. “I believe in the team 100%. Under the Adams administration, we will be viewed as one of the best mayoral administration's in the history of New York City and under the second black mayor,” says Lewis-Martin, “So that people know when you put black people in power, and they are working in partnership, for the greater and commongood, that we can get the job done, effectively, expeditiously, and smartly.”

Some see her as a lioness for her seriousness in helping to move the mayor’s agenda forward, but worked hard to forge a path to her position.

“I’m grateful for what was poured into us [growing up].. Just a real appreciation of who you are and whose you are,” says Wright with a grin. “And I think as Black women, when society is telling you what you're not all day, every day, if you don't have family, that lets you know who you are and whose you are, it can be very, very, very difficult.” In December of 2022, Wright was officially named First Deputy Mayor in New York Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Previously the Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives, Wright became the city's first Black woman to be named to her current position.

The daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Wright has broken many glass ceilings for women, especially Black women. She admits she is used to the pressure that comes with being a trailblazer and that dates back to her childhood. Wright recalls a conversation with a White male classmate growing up where he told her, “you're Black. You're from the South Bronx and you're a woman, isn't that kind of three strikes?” Her response was simple. “I'm at the top of my class. Maybe, maybe those things make me stronger and better. Those are assets” Family laid the foundation for Wright as she continues the legacy started by generations before her. She grew up in a social justice activist family, living with strong female role models in her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

“I grew up in a Black loving, supportive community. We were poor, but it was just.. it was love and support,” says Wright. Wright adds that she was raised to understand that as a Black woman, she has to work much harder to achieve things in life. Most importantly, she had to learn that nothing was going to be handed to her. ‘“I just was always valued and felt like you know, as a human you can do anything. You're capable. You're smart. You're strong,” Wright shares.

Courage and confidence helped her overcome challenges as a black girl at the George School, a predominantly White boarding school in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and it still helps her today, as a black woman to achieve within her work in government.

history of the law firm in which she previously worked. However she was not done breaking barriers within spaces you rarely see brown faces. “I really wanted to learn as much as I could, so that I could bring that back to my community,” says Wright, “But also, as a mother, I had something to bring to this very White male Environment”

At age 16, Wright attended Columbia College where she was also a varsity track and field athlete. She graduated from Columbia in 1990 and Columbia Law School in 1994. She went on to hold prestigious titles being named the first female president of the United Way of New York City in its 80-year history. She was also just the second Black woman in the

Now working within Adams’ administration, he compares her to the “offensive coordinator” of a football team. “I don't know a lot about football, but the role of the First Deputy Mayor is to ensure that the administration is achieving and accomplishing its goals and its mission. So like the offensive coordinator, trying to move the ball down the field. All of the deputy mayors and some of the chiefs report directly to me, plus all the agencies that are connected to that as well. “But it is also that connection and coordination across this leadership team to make sure that we execute,” Wright said.

One thing is consistently heard starting in the offices of City Hall, as the Adams’ administration says, they are locked in on ‘Getting Stuff Done’. “It's meaningful and measurable progress that really makes a difference in people's lives. And this administration, in just a year and a couple of months, has done a lot.” And that is what inspired Wright to transition into government after working in nonprofits and law for a decade. “I feel like sometimes you're fighting battles on the ground and working for nonprofits, like, getting the housing development done or building that school, but you're losing the war,” says Wright, “And the war table was the government. I mean, this is where you have all the resources, the reins, the whole picture. You can enact policies that impact people on the ground. And so I'm grateful to be here.” Wright has been able to work closely on initiatives that help the community, but also align closely with who she is personally as well. One that stands out for Wright, her work for affordable, accessible, and quality childcare. “As a mom.. watching my mother, as a single mother, trying to kind of make a way is critically important. So we were able to get $2 billion from the state and really develop a plan and strategy to impact nearly 60,000 children and their families.” In a role where she is able to make a significant impact, Sheena Wright is proud and grateful to be working as First Deputy Mayor. However she does take a moment to remind everyone with a chuckle and big smile, that she has a lot more to do. “I’m relentless. I’m a Capricorn. So I will keep going until I get there.”

Wright

SHEENA

NYC First Deputy Mayor, Breaking Multiple Glass Ceilings

The first Black woman to hold the position, she has a pattern of opening doors as she has moved up.

t is a challenge to be the first in anything, but it takes a lot of perseverance and determination, to pioneer an unwalked path. For First Deputy Mayor of New York City, Sheena Wright, it was the empowering foundation of family that helped her blaze a trail for Black women in government.

Here are 20 Black women boldly taking up space in places no one ever expected them to be. Now, they are leaders of industry, political avengers, creators of business, and artists pushing the envelope. Meet BET.com’s class of 2023 of Black women making history today. By: Renee Washington and Ali McPherson

Sisters

Here are several of the most influential disruptors, innovators and changemakers hitting our radar this month.

Justine Lindsay

Dr. Tarika Barrett

Dinee Simpson

Saria Gwin-Maye

Bobbi Wilson

Danielle Holley

Autumn Lockwood

Rosezena J. Pierce ESQ.

Sheena Allen

Paulana Lamonier

Nicole Lynn

Dia Sims

Marian Croak

Dr. Reagan McDonald-Mosley

Courtney Balgrove and Zan B.R.

Ice Spice

Her career may have morphed from attorney to non-profit leader to advisor to the chief executive officer of the most populous city in the country, but Wright is using her current position to leave a lasting impact.

People need to know that when you put Black people in power and they are working in partnership, for the greater and common good, we can get the job done effectively, expeditiously, and smartly.

I’m grateful for what was poured into us [growing up],

After pursuing the power of her faith and becoming an ordained chaplain in 2018, Lewis-Martin is determined to prove that Black women deserve to have a seat at the table. "I believe in the team 100%. Under the Adams administration, we will be viewed as one of the best mayoral administrations in the history of New York City and under only the second Black mayor. People need to know that when you put Black people in power and they are working in partnership, for the greater and common good, we can get the job done effectively, expeditiously, and smartly." ‑RW

Sisters

“Government symbolizes the table where decisions are made, where you have the resources and the reins to create change. You can enact policies that truly impact people on the ground. Black women now have a seat at that table, and I am grateful to be here”. –RW; Photography by Evans Alexandre

“We are uniquely situated as women. We tend to juggle a million things all the time anyway and so we just keep finding ways to bring that into these roles of power.” –Renee Washington

When it comes to inspiring Black people to succeed, Danielle Holley is quite the advocate. A gifted attorney and scholar, Holley was recently appointed as president of Mount Holyoke College. It’s an achievement no Black woman could have ever imagined when the college first opened in 1837. Now, after 186 years, Holley is the very first and starts on July 1. Until then, she will complete her term as dean of the Howard University School of Law. Holley told the Connecticut Public, “...The doors are open for us. With an education like the education that you get at Mount Holyoke, you are ready to step into any room, into any opportunity.”–AM

For years, Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosely, MD, MPH, has fought on the frontlines to ensure all women have the right to proper reproductive healthcare. She has seen firsthand the traumatic and fatal consequences some women face around the world. After serving as chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood, she became the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Maryland. Today, McDonald-Mosley leads Power to Decide, a non-profit agency dedicated to providing quality sexual health information, contraception, and support with the goal of reducing teen pregnancy. She told Ms. Magazine, "Access to abortion care is critical for people to have control over their reproductive health and to ensure an environment where all—regardless of who they are or where they live—can achieve the reproductive outcomes they want."–AM

Varlack’s childhood dream began to evolve as she realized she liked solving problems and crisis management. “[I’ve worked on] everything from shark attacks to emergencies to the pandemic; just the whole gamut and I’ve loved it. I love the work,” Varlacks says with a smile. “I love the crazy nature of it. I love just all of that. So, that sort of sent me on a path towards really thinking about crisis, risk, and operations.”

Sitting at a table in her office with colleagues, she has two tablets, two cell phones, a whiteboard of listed agenda items behind her, and an overflowing journal of notes. Across the room, there are multiple computer monitors at her desk. With days that can include the weekends and range from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., this frenzy is just another normal morning of coordinating and troubleshooting.

It didn’t get any easier after attending an Irish Catholic high school, where she was often the only Black person in many of her classes. However, Varlack says that these experiences have helped her in various aspects of her career, especially during the city-wide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and, more recently, managing the more than 50,000 asylum seekers who have made their way to New York City seeking sanctuary.

That affirming demeanor is evident in her role as chief advisor to the Mayor of New York City, a position that no other Black woman has played before. Her office is filled with large, colorful plants and the scent of eucalyptus, which immediately puts you at ease, as does a sign paraphrasing the Biblical verse Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

"Many years ago, I organized a high-level meeting. After the months of work I did, I was told that I could not join the meeting," explains Lewis-Martin, "To which I promptly retorted that if I am not in the meeting, there will be no meeting. I explained that this is not a ‘good ole boy meeting.' I reminded him that I had put in the work and that I would be at the table and that my voice would be heard."

“We are uniquely situated as women. We tend to juggle a million things all the time anyway and so we just keep finding ways to bring that into these roles of power.” –Renee Washington

“I’m relentless. I’m a Capricorn. So, I’ll keep going until I get to where I need to be,” she says with a chuckle and a big smile.

Wright recalls a conversation from her childhood with a white male classmate who once told her, “You’re Black, you're from the South Bronx, and you're a woman. Isn't that kind of three strikes?” Her response was simple. “I'm at the top of my class. Maybe those things will only make me stronger and better.”

“I’m grateful for what was poured into us [growing up], " says Wright. “As Black women, when society tells you what you're not all day, every day, if you don't have a family who reminds you who you are and whose you are, it can be difficult.”

Wright adds that she was raised to understand, for that reason, why she had to work harder than others to achieve the same things in life. Most importantly, she had to learn that nothing was going to be handed to her.

Renee Washington is a retired All-American soccer player who is now a sports reporter, speaker and author based in New Jersey. Ali McPherson is a multimedia arts and culture reporter based in New York City. Special thanks to Corey Manning, Evans Alexandre, Wilfredo Feliciano, Madison J. Gray, Wendy L. Wilson and the NYC Office of Mayor Eric Adams. #WomensHistoryMonthBET