Diane Hessan is a dynamic business woman, author, influencer, and angel investor who I had the pleasure of meeting at a networking event in Boston many years ago. Since that time, she’s been an unofficial mentor for me, as well as an ongoing inspiration to women in tech and highly regarded Boston business leader. She sits on the Boards of numerous companies, including Panera Bread, and is currently CEO of Salient Ventures and has been engaged in a wide-ranging longitudinal study of the American voter as a columnist for The Boston Globe.

Life as a black woman in America is challenging as we are at the intersection of racism and sexism. The senseless deaths due to racism weigh heavy. Those, coupled with the everyday racism and microaggressions, make me feel helpless and fearful - especially as a mother. There are times (read: most of the time) I feel mentally and emotionally exhausted and angry but I have to push through and put on a brave face for work and at home.