"If you look back, you’ll see that we were always phenomenal women. We were in the fields working along side our men even when we didn’t have a choice. And when some of us suddenly found ourselves alone (whether through divorce, death of a spouse/mate, or single parenthood), we continued to show that we had what it took to survive. "

Hello and welcome to the Empower Me! website.

Ten years ago, when I first began putting together the concept of Empower Me!, my purpose was clear.....to produce a training site and network that would feature, cater to and represent professional and business women of color. I noticed that Black Women were few and far between on various boards I sat on and events I went to. That didn't sit right with me. The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that we, Black Women, Women of Color were vastly under-represented. There is no shame in trying to advance our own. I will do business with anyone regardless of race. But why not give us a shot at it first?

I knew in my heart there were Black Women out there who felt as I do. My solution to finding them? I would create this vast resource and opportunity for women I could relate to. Women of whom I join in belonging to a special sisterhood. And I did it.

As we celebrate our tenth anniversary, what started as a small networking group has grown into a powerful resource for Professional Black Women. Black women are progressive, business-minded, entrepreneurial, innovative, educated, driven, strong, financially savvy and decisive individuals. We hold a huge percentage of the spending power in households and decision-making in businesses. We are a growing economic force that holds more power than one might think. Word of mouth goes a long way, and we are becoming more aware of our futures and are instrumental in creating generational wealth. It's all about empowerment through education and taking action.

Through the various initiaves, programs, events and alliances, my goal continues to be to educate in the issues of interest to and directly affecting us as we blaze forward. To educate and inform about business, finance, and careers. To show we can stand up and proudly shout that we are smart, we are educated, we are leaders, we know our stuff, BUT we are not afraid to learn more. To help others move beyond mere existence and dare to stand out in the crowd.  And I must say, what I've built....what WE'VE built is something phenomenal. You may wonder, who am I to redefine the rules of the game? Who am I to think I am introducing something new?  Who am I to think I have the key?  Who am I?

I am Adrienne Graham, an Empowered Black Woman™! Stick around and see what we can accomplish together in the next 10 years.

Read more about Adrienne Graham. Connect with Adrienne Graham on Linked In.