Jessica Hartley

🎉 Big News for Career Readiness in Atlanta! We’re proud to announce our new partnership with the Atlanta Mayor's Office of Technology & Innovation and Invest Atlanta — a one-year pilot program designed to expand access to AI-powered career readiness tools for local residents. Through this initiative, 100 Atlanta residents will receive guided support to: • Build stronger resumes • Prepare for interviews • Develop clear career strategies • Navigate today’s evolving job market with confidence This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening workforce participation and creating real, scalable pathways to meaningful employment. For our team, this moment is more than a milestone — it’s a step toward modernizing how cities, AI companies, universities, and community partners work together to empower people at scale. 👉 Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/ddkA5Unp #WriteSea #CareerReadiness #WorkforceInnovation #CityOfAtlanta #InvestAtlanta #AIforGood #PublicPrivatePartnership #FutureOfWork #CommunityImpact

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Genius Factor Academy and National Black MBA Association Announce Strategic Partnership to Launch AI-Driven Career Intelligence Platform ATLANTA, GA — Genius Factor Academy and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) today announced a strategic partnership aimed at empowering professionals to align their talent, passion, career and income in the rapidly evolving age of artificial intelligence. https://lnkd.in/e-8m6gV6

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Partnerships that pour into people — that’s what makes the HBCU Tech Tour so powerful. At the North Carolina A&T stop, we had the honor of partnering with Black Girls Hack and their Executive Director and CEO, Rebekah Skeete for our Connect 1:1 mentorship activation. Rebekah shared her journey and mentorship insights with students, reminding us that representation and community are game-changers in tech. Black Girls Hack has transformed lives through training, mentorship, and community — building a beautifully inclusive space for Black women and nonbinary professionals to thrive in cybersecurity and beyond. It was such a pleasure meeting Rebekah IRL — a visionary, a mentor, and a fellow Black woman founder whose impact speaks volumes. I wish I had gotten a picture with you but I was running around supporting registration but meeting you was a true highlight for me! ❤️ #BlackGirlsHack #HBCUTechTour #WomenInTech #RepresentationMatters #MentorshipMatters

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Black American contributors to early Charlotte North Carolinas financial foundation. The Architects of Black Charlotte’s Financial Foundation Thad Tate (1865–1951) Role: "Grandfather of Black Business." Key Contribution: Co-founder of Afro-American Mutual Insurance Company and the Mecklenburg Investment Company (MIC). Secured capital for civic infrastructure like the Brevard Street Library. Dr. J.T. Williams (1859–1924) Role: Surgeon, Educator, Diplomat. Key Contribution: Developed the J.T. Williams Building on East Trade Street, which acted as an incubator for Black professional services (doctors, lawyers, pharmacists). W.W. Smith (1862–1933) Role: Architect and Developer. Key Contribution: Designed and financed the Mecklenburg Investment Company Building (1922). He focused on keeping capital within the community by ensuring Black ownership of the commercial spaces. Dr. A.M. Rivera (1894–1954) Role: Dentist and Banking Advocate. Key Contribution: Instrumental in expanding the Mechanics and Farmers (M&F) Bank to Charlotte in 1921, providing the Black community with necessary access to mortgages and business credit. Institutional Pillars: Mechanics and Farmers (M&F) Bank: Provided commercial loans and mortgages. Afro-American Mutual Insurance Company: Offered essential life insurance and financial security. Mecklenburg Investment Company (MIC) Building: The primary hub for Black-owned corporate activity in the Brooklyn neighborhood #TheBlackAmerican #CharlotteNorthCarolina

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At BoldImpact ATL, we proudly celebrate Women's History Month and the incredible women who are shaping the future of sustainability in sports, entertainment, business, and community impact. Across Atlanta, women are leading bold ideas, building powerful coalitions, and driving meaningful change. We are grateful to collaborate with so many visionary women who are helping turn big ideas into real impact - from legacies and startups to airports and arenas. Your leadership, innovation, and commitment continue to move our communities forward. We are especially grateful for ALL the women who serve on our Advisory Board and for the incredible guidance, leadership, and compassion they bring to our organization as they help drive bold impact today and inspire the next generation of leaders. I am deeply honored and and inspired by each of you: Lynne Filderman, Sandra Elizabeth Leyva Martinez, Andrea Pinabell, Tonya Hicks, Olivia Amyette, Iesha Baldwin, Jennifer Chirico, PhD, Dr. Alyssa Combs, DTH, PMP, Tanya Coventry-Strader, Cynthia Curry, Jamie Lee Dalton, Elaine Dinos, Melody Echols, Sabine Genet, Lauren Gloster, Noa Hecht, Jilea H., Vanessa Ibarra, Sree Ratna Kancherla, Tori Kaplan, Rebecca Knight - Duffy, Dena Lewis, Candra Livsey, Jumana Master, Jamey Moran, Blair Ruth Riley, Tia Robinson, Nancy Sagar, Kashi Sehgal, Katherine Shayne, Jennifer Singh, Michele Spiezia, Kim Steele, Akissi Stokes-Nelson, Stephanie Teta, Erica Walpole, Tanjuria Willis and Michelle Wiseman

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Thank you for this storytelling from our team including Lis Martin Taylor Rysdon and Trina (Dr. T) Peterson-Garcia, Ph. as well as leaders who shared their views. #truth 👇 "Our economy broadly leaves too many people behind, but Black women face some of the most acute and persistent economic challenges. Pay disparities are compounded by caregiving responsibilities, placing additional strain on already limited resources.” #BlackHistoryMonth

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The transition from executive leadership to the boardroom isn’t just a step up—it’s a fundamental shift from managing day-to-day operations to mastering high-level governance and strategic oversight. In a recent conversation with Black Enterprise Magazine, I shared a few core pillars for executives looking to evolve into board directorship: ▪️ Master the Pivot: Move your focus from functional management to strategic governance and ethical guardrails. ▪️ Sharpen Analytical Acumen: The ability to distill complex data into salient, actionable insights is your greatest asset at the table. ▪️ Formalize the Path: Start your preparation early—ideally 1 to 3 years out—by investing in governance training and building intentional, high-level networks. Board service is about stewardship and driving organizational trajectory. If you’re ready to scale your impact, here is the blueprint I’ve used to navigate the journey:

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Last week, as a Black business owner of 628 Digital Design - Certified B Corp, and as President and Co-Founder of CMWP Foundation, Inc., I joined fellow business leaders and state officials as ConnCORP and The Lab revealed the findings of the 2025 State of Black Business Report. . The data highlighted the disparities Black business owners face in Connecticut. . 3️⃣❌ Black business owners are 3x more likely to be denied funding compared to white business owners with same credit score and financial history. . 🤯 Fragmented, inconsistent, and unclear municipal support lead to limited supplier diversity opportunities. . 💰👩🏽‍💼 Black businesses and entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) require investments, not just admiration of our resilience. . Jahkeeva Morgan Erik Clemons Philip Rigueur . #SoBB #ConnCORP #BlackinCT #cmwpfoundation #628digitaldesign

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Atlanta Co-Working Space Puts Black Women Entrepreneurs First - #CapitalBNews - #Atlanta Angela Burt-Murray Koncept House #goodstuff #businessspace #legacybuilder Real estate developer Anthony Gee shares his vision for supporting a new generation of business owners and creating generational wealth. “Our focus is on talented Black women entrepreneurs who can create significant #wealth for themselves and their families.” “These spaces are designed to help talented entrepreneurs, particularly Black women #entrepreneurs, grow and scale their #businesses,” Gee said. “In doing so, we also aim to provide unique and sought-after experiences and amenities for the #neighborhoods and #cities where we develop.” This Atlanta Co-Working Space Helps #BlackWomen #Entrepreneurs Scale and Real estate developer Anthony Gee shares his vision for supporting a new #generation of #businessowners and creating #generationalwealth. “Koncept House features beautifully designed spaces tailored for these businesses,” Gee told Capital B Atlanta. “We focus on maker, #creative, and e-commerce entrepreneurs — those who require space for #equipment, #manufacturing, #sales, or providing #services.” And the #investment has paid off. Koncept House currently features a roster of savvy creators offering services like non-alcoholic cocktails, luxury bath and beauty products, spa services, Pilates, painting, and more. Rates for the in-demand suites range from $700 to $4,000. #blackbusiness #investors #atlantabusiness #business #womeninbusiness #businessdevelopment #luxuryfragrance #fragrance #creativedirector

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Thank you to the incredible Shayla N. Atkins, PHR, LSS Black Belt, for joining Intentional Conversations last week! Her episode is packed with insights on authentic leadership, building resilience, navigating stress, and why it’s essential to move beyond compliance to develop truly committed teams. Shayla shares her unique “SPICE” framework for career advancement, discusses strategies for balancing authenticity with performance, and delivers tactical, actionable steps for leaders facing uncertainty and change. As we celebrate five impactful years of Intentional Conversations, don’t miss the final two vodcast episodes this September before we sunset this transformative series. Join us as we wrap up a legacy of learning, growth, and DEI wisdom! Watch Shayla’s episode and all past shows: https://lnkd.in/gnCFeyfh #IntentionalConversations #Leadership #Authenticity #Resilience #FutureReady #SPICE #DEI

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For #Blackhistorymonth BMW Digital partnered with My Code to produce a 5-part series titled #WeBuiltThis for their client, Spectrum The purpose of this campaign is to highlight black entrepreneurs by shining a light on their journey navigating non-traditional spaces. The first episode is live now on our wonderful host, 5x Emmy Winner Tashara Parker, MA YouTube page, spotlighting Taylor Shead, founder of Stemuli #blackbusiness #storytelling #content #ownership #marketing #showingup Watch the first episode here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gar9pyXN

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Last week, we had the privilege of hosting DaLeyna Adkinson for a company-wide conversation, My Code, that I’m still reflecting on today. From the very first moment I spoke with DaLeyna, I knew her perspective would be transformative for our team. There is a profound intersection between company culture and performance, and DaLeyna articulated it perfectly: culture isn't something that happens to us; it’s something we build through our collective actions. Key Takeaways from our Session: ✔️ Change doesn’t only flow from the top down. Every employee, at every level, can use their unique lived experiences to influence our trajectory and drive meaningful change. ✔️ A healthy, inclusive culture is the engine behind high performance. When people feel seen and empowered, the business results follow. ✔️ We all have a hand in shaping our internal and external business strategy. DaLeyna, thank you for your time, your wisdom, and for challenging us to think bigger. Special kudos to Damian Benders for making the introduction. I am incredibly proud to work for an organization that prioritizes these "moments that matter." Investing in these conversations isn't just the right thing to do; it's how we win together. 🚀 #TalentandCulture #BusinessStrategy #EmployeeEngagement

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I'm excited to share an upcoming free virtual summit from one of our partners, HealthStack, powered by AFROTECH, the largest community for Black technologists in the world. This summit, taking place tomorrow, January 23rd, brings together senior clinical and health-tech leaders to explore safer telehealth, responsible AI in clinical workflows, and equity-centered healthcare innovation, including conversations with: Dr. Melynda Barnes, Chief Medical Officer, Ro Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, Chief Medical Officer, Talkspace Dr. Alani Gregory, Head of Health Equity & Belonging, One Medical Dr. Ian Tong, Chief Clinical Officer, Foresite Labs Anika Gardenhire, RN, Chief Digital & Transformation Officer, Ardent Health We’re pleased to share this opportunity with our partners who are navigating digital health, AI adoption, and equitable care delivery. There's still time to register at https://lnkd.in/eWetspRa.

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Sharing the panel discussion hosted by Tom Stone of The Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) with me and my friend Jamaal Sebastian-Barnes of my former company Bristol Myers Squibb. We debated best approaches to reskilling and upskilling talent. https://lnkd.in/eQ6tKcTU Key take-aways: - Upskilling is a Business Mandate, not an HR Program - Don’t Wait for the Perfect Taxonomy - Learning Culture Requires More Than Access - AI Is Reshaping Roles–and the Way People Learn - Personalized Learning Still Has to Serve the Business

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As part of our continued commitment to empowering HBCU students, Wells Fargo recently hosted the Atlanta Falcons HBCU Fellows for a powerful conversation on financial empowerment at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). Students from Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University engaged with leaders across industries—from sports and entertainment to brand management and finance—gaining insights to help shape their future success. It’s inspiring to see how this program continues to foster meaningful learning experiences and open doors for future growth. #WeAreWellsFargo

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