In recent months, nearly 300,000 Black women have left the U.S. labor force, a shift driven by federal job cuts, inflation, student loan burdens, and the dismantling of DEI programs. But beyond these surface-level factors lies a deeper, less discussed barrier: the network gap Black women face in the workplace. With DEI initiatives being rolled back and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) quietly shuttered, many Black women are losing critical pathways to mentorship, visibility, and advancement—elements that play a vital role in professional success.
How the Network Gap Hurts Black Women’s Careers
The network gap refers to unequal access to opportunities based on who you know. According to LinkedIn research, 70% of people are hired at companies where they have a connection. But for Black women, those connections are often fewer due to a lack of representation and inclusion in professional networks. The rollback of DEI programs and ERGs—spaces where employees could find mentors and build cross-functional relationships—is making things worse. When networking opportunities vanish, so do chances for promotions, mentorship, and sponsorship—key ingredients for career growth.
Stereotypes, AI Bias & Unsafe Work Environments
The situation is compounded by workplace inequities. Many Black women report feeling both hypervisible and invisible—celebrated early on, then labeled a “threat” as they rise. According to Dr. Kecia Thomas, this “pet to threat” phenomenon reflects how Black women are welcomed but not supported long-term. AI bias in hiring and automation risks only widen the divide. A 2023 study from Exhale found that 36% of Black women left a job because they felt unsafe, and a 2024 Harvard study revealed that the fewer Black peers one has on a team, the more likely they are to leave.
How Companies and Black Women Can Close the Gap
Organizations must take action. Revive ERGs, build mentorship programs, and disaggregate exit data to understand why Black women are leaving. Stay compliant with laws while still prioritizing equity. For Black women, building intentional networks—online or in-person—is essential. Platforms like LinkedIn aren't just for job hunting; they can be powerful tools for finding mentors, sponsors, and community. When Black women thrive, companies thrive. Closing the network gap Black women face isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s an economic imperative.
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