I’m Building the Ecosystem With Rebellion & a Smile
I’ve always been a vocal person when it comes to business, particularly women and people of color in business, politics, money and things that directly affect all of the above. Sometimes I make snarky comments. Sometimes I just pass along posts/comments/articles that others have written that I agree with. Sometimes it’s a full-throated read on something that I think matters and where people (perpetrators) need to be dragged for filth. Having a major visible platform directly puts me in position to address things, especially when they impact me and mines.
Yes, welcome to 2025. We are in the exact place people warned we would be. I’ve seen all the complaints. I’ve heard all the rallying cries. I’ve read all the threats and promises to divest and/or sit on the sidelines and let the “others” deal with the fall out. But I had to take a step back and think about what it all means to me, and my responsibilities. Politics, AI, business, financial awareness, and society all intersect. And Black and Brown Women are being excluded from the conversations and rooms we need to be a part of. The question I’ve been meditating on is “What is my responsibility in helping to change course?”.
Mogul Chix® started as a virtual business startup accelerator in 2015 that has morphed into this ecosystem. I had no idea at the time, sitting in that airport, I was laying the ground work for building something that would be instrumental in advancing women of color and their allies. A lot of people SAY the words, but I’m actually living it in real time.
Expanding the reach to business growth meant this was a safe space for women to grow further. There is a shit-ton of information and initiatives out there for startups. But so few resources for “what’s next”. It’s like giving a person a brand new car, but no gas to put in it. Yes it’s shiny, exciting and new. But having it doesn’t mean you can get around. Having a startup and even funding doesn’t guarantee success beyond startup.
Moving into media meant not just having my say, but also giving shine to deserving women who do incredible things in their fields. But it also means speaking truth to “power” and making sure everyone within the ecosystem is well prepared to take action to keep thriving. If you’ve listened to any of my podcast episodes, you already know how I get down. I’m outspoken and very intentional about topics that directly affect us. I thoroughly appreciate all allies and the door will always be open for them to join this ecosystem. But the emphasis is unapologetically on my Black and Brown sisters. Before the haters start whining, I never said white women or other women are not welcome. If you’re an ally, the door is open to you too, and I value your contributions. But my 92% and 60% respectively, my sisters, I got you.
Creating an exclusive network meant not exclusion, but a vehicle to bring together sisters and allies who are there to do deals, serve one another and build an economy within this ecosystem that can withstand the chaos and uncertainty. And I’m am loudly unapologetic about that.
So what does this all mean?
In an era of DEI bashing, woke attacking, women’s rights infringement, return to the middle ages tropes, I am here to say NOT ON MY WATCH. It is often said never play your hand publicly and to always move in silence. I’m not excluding men on this journey, rather, keeping you guys in reserve just in case…the allies, that is. But sisters have to do it for themselves without interference, infiltration or sabotage.
This ecosystem is a work in progress. It may take some hits, it WILL get criticism. But I don’t care. We will not be denied. That goes for our economic power, political participation and out leadership abilities. So ladies, if you’re part of the 92% or 60%, or even if you’re a public ally (no hiding behind your privilege so you won’t get ridiculed BS) this is for you. This is about you. At every turn, I will call out inequities, injustice and straight up bullshit. I will use my platforms, my ecosystem to help right wrongs. I don’t know what everyone’s job is, but I know what my responsibilities are and I understand and accept the assignment.
I want to hear your stories, your voices, your solutions. If you’re about making positive change, I want you on my podcast and in the magazine. Hit me up and let’s see where you are best served. We are in mobilization stage. I don’t know about you, but I can’t sit on the sidelines fan-dancing and taking a break. I’ll probably lose followers after that but I don’t care. Those who get it, won’t be offended, and will stand by our collective side. I have the platforms, ecosystems and the connections. I’m moving accordingly. What about you? Come get in where you fit in.
Adrienne Graham
CEO|Founder
Mogul Chix®
Connect with me here or over on Linked In.
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