Making HERStory

Dear Diary focuses on addressing the systemic economic marginalization of Black women and girls, a demographic historically and consistently underserved and overlooked. This initiative is aligned with the MIT Solve framework’s objective to generate new economic opportunities and provide buffers against economic shocks for vulnerable workers.

Black women in America (22 million), as highlighted by Malcolm X in 1964, remain the most disrespected, unprotected, and neglected group, with this troubling legacy extending into today's socio-economic landscape. Statistically, Black women are marginalized in nearly every economic domain. They receive only 0.04% of venture capital funding, despite being the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs. According to the National Women's Law Center, Black women were paid just 63 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men as of 2019. Black women are disproportionately attacked, bullied, harassed, and silenced in the workplace while being unequally tasked with difficult, often impossible to resolve problems, projects, and cultural challenges. Most recently, systemic rollbacks on affirmative action and diversity initiatives exacerbate difficulties in attaining higher education and securing well-paying jobs. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg of the complexities of the deeper, historical trends of the Black woman experience. Globally, the challenges faced by women of African descent mirror these trends, with pervasive racial and gender biases curtailing their economic potential and ability to accumulate wealth.

Dear Diary is a comprehensive, hybrid, membership-based network designed to elevate Black girls and women who aspire to become professionals and entrepreneurs. Through the network, we seek to empower them to build wealth and achieve professional success through a supportive community and targeted resources. 

Here's how it works: 

1. Membership and Assessment: Interested individuals must apply for membership. As part of their application, they must complete an assessment that identify their strengths, weaknesses, and professional aspirations. 

2. Algorithmic Matching: Utilizing a sophisticated algorithm, we match each member with a small group of five peers from their cohort. The pairing is designed to ensure that members complement and support each other's growth, embodying our principle that collective strength fosters individual success. 

3. Curated Pathway: Based on the initial assessment and our seven key principles for wealth creation-derived from proven strategies within the Jewish community-each member receives a personalized pathway report. This report outlines steps and resources tailored to their specific needs and goals. We also receive this support on our end which allows us to ensure that all programming caters to the needs of our community members.

4. Community Engagement and Support: Members meet virtually with their peer groups and an executive coach from our team to foster relationships and receive guidance. Regular meetings and task assignments keep members engaged and accountable. Our platform serves as a hub for educational content and network, while simultaneously being a safe space for social and personal development.

5. Exclusive Programming: Through our digital platform, members access exclusive programs, including workshops on verbal confidence, financial literacy, creative problem-solving, and creating a successful business. We also offer practical opportunities such as apprenticeships, job fairs, and scholarships. 

6. Annual and Quarterly Events: Our network hosts annual in-person events and gatherings to strengthen community ties and provide additional learning and networking opportunities. 

 For our solution, we use MightyNetworks as our digital platform that our services are delivered through. It is a secure, scalable platform (we have our own app) that allow us to facilitate learning, networking, and personal development. While we haven't built out the algorithm for matching yet, it would be an advanced algorithm that analyzes assessment data to optimize group dynamics and learning pathways. We would use the algorithm and AI to help us to pair our members and curate resources that our community need in real-time. It will also allow us to scale our services long-term to serve more Black women, more effectively.

Our solution serves Black girls and women across three key age groups: 14-18, 18-21, and 21+. This segmentation allows us to tailor educational and professional development resources to the distinct stages of their lives and careers while also ensuring that they are immersed in a community of peers.

 We start with our 14-18 year old group. This group is at a crucial stage where early intervention can set a foundation for future success. They often have limited access to role models, career guidance, and extracurricular learning opportunities that align with their potential and aspirations. For many Black girls in America, they are disproportionately receiving special education courses and discipline referrals making high school completion difficult in itself. Next, we focus on our 18-21 year old's who are typically navigating higher education or early career choices. Their barriers are similar to those of our 14-18 year old group with limited access to mentorship, professional networks, and resources that can guide them towards sustainable careers and wealth creation. Lastly, our adult women, 21+, is a group that often seek to advance or change careers or launch entrepreneurial ventures. They are known to experience lack of access to capital, networks, and targeted support that acknowledges and bridges the racial and gender gaps in professional and entrepreneurial environments. 

Dear Diary directly addresses these challenges through a comprehensive, community-based approach that includes mentorship, educational resources, and professional developed tailored to Black women's cultural and socio-economic experiences. First, we're able to provide them with educational and professional pathways. For many Black girls and women, they don't have access to the information, resources, and guidance to achieve their professional endeavors. We provide them these things through our exclusive programming and educational resources. We go beyond providing them with just information to also include mentorship and peer support for them to take the information they have acquired and use it to help them achieve their goals. This fosters resilience, provides guidance, and builds them a strong network of influential contacts that can open doors to new opportunities. We also facilitate connections with venture capitalists, angel investors, and grant programs, with us serving as VC, investors, and grantors for our members as well. Our solution also addresses the overall well-being of our members by incorporating resources for wellness and health that are typically associated with the Black woman's experience. Lastly, through our digital platform, we can deliver tailored content, host virtual meetups, and offer a host of tools for our women. The technology also ensures scalability and reach regardless of geographical location.

Our team, composed of Black women who have each navigated the challenges of achieving professional and entrepreneurial success is uniquely positioned to deliver our solution to our target population. We represent a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, but share a common experience with the very women and girls we aim to support. This shared lived experience enhances our understanding and deepens our commitment to creating the opportunities and resources we ourselves needed. Our approach is empathetic, authentic, and strength-based to push our community forward. For us, the success of Black women is personal, it's the livelihood of our community!

We are only as strong as the members of our community and we believe that at our core. We have established a robust feedback system that empowers our members to voice their needs, experiences, and suggestions. This feedback is integral to our design process so that our services evolve in response to real, expressed community needs rather than assumptions. Our members receive support while actively contributing to shaping the direction and content of the programming. This participatory approach also fosters a sense of ownership and agency among members, reinforcing that they are active contributors of our collective action. 

Moreover, we facilitate opportunities for members to lead programming and activities. This allows us to diversify the sources of support and learning within the community while also building leadership skills among members. Our goal is to create a dynamic and interconnected network where leadership and inspiration flow from all levels, not top-down.

We have successfully transitioned from an in-person service model to a digital platform, retaining the core of our mission while expanding our reach and capacity. For the last 5 years, we have served over 350 members annually through face-to-face interactions. This foundation allowed us to cultivate a rich understanding of our members' needs and the effectiveness of our approaches. 

With the shift to digital and paid, we have built and launched our community platforms, which are now fully operational and host 75 active members. We also have an open application right now to do another membership intake. The transition to online platforms has involved rigorous testing of user experience, content delivery, and community engagement to meet the high standards our members expect and require. We chose to classify our project at the Growth stage based on the robustness of our existing infrastructure and the proven efficacy of our program design. Having established a functional digital platform and secured initial membership, we are now focused on scaling our operations. This involves growing our membership base and diversifying our revenue streams through increased grant and donor support. 

We are applying to MIT Solve because we recognize the urgent need to reverse alarming economic trends affecting the Black community. Highlighted in recent studies, the median wealth for Black Americans could plummet to $0 by 2053 if current trajectories persist. This potential decline is a crisis that will be exacerbated by technological shifts, global unrest, and systematic changes. 

To take on this challenge, we currently face the following barriers: 

1. Financial: Funding is a critical need. Our ability to scale our services and reach is contingent upon our capacity to secure sustainable funding. With the funding landscape shifting in due to affirmative action shifts, funding for missions like ours are becoming more difficult to find. 

2. Technical: As we grow, the need for a robust technical infrastructure becomes increasingly vital. Our current digital platform works, but has a few limitations that don't allow us to execute our services fully. For example, we are doing our matching right now on our own and would love to create an algorithm that will allow us to match better and more efficiently. We also know that our solution has the potential to grow exponentially, so we need technology that can handle massive data without compromising our members' experience. 

3. Market: We are needing to get in front of more Black girls and women who can benefit from our services. Marketing has shifted drastically in the wake of social media and running ads is expensive and extensive given the algorithms. While we do organic marketing, it is limited. Also, despite the high rate of entrepreneurship among Black women, market access remains a significant challenge. We are needed to better connect our members with broader markets and networks that can offer capital, mentorship, and business opportunities. 

We believe that Solve can help us through: 

1. Access to a Global Network: Solve's expansive network can provide us with the connections needed to access new markets, secure strategic partnerships and funding, and gain visibility. 

2. Expert Mentorship: While we have been successful in our efforts thus far, guidance from experienced professional across industries can help us to refine our strategies, enhance our business model, and navigate the complexities of scaling a social enterprise. 

3. Technical Support: Assistance in developing our digital platform, especially our algorithm for community matching and personalization, will enable us to serve our members more effectively and ensure a scalable, sustainable growth trajectory.

4. Financial Opportunities: Through potential funding opportunities and introductions to investors within the Solve community, we can secure the necessary capital to expand our reach and deepen our impact. 

Dear Diary is innovative in its comprehensive, multi-layered approach to economic advancement for Black girls and women focusing on immediate skill develop while creating a sustainable ecosystem of support, mentorship, and opportunity. Traditional networks do not complement the Black woman's experience and the complexities of their needs. Because they are rarely at the forefront of designing and implementing services that are often for them, the services tend to miss the mark and even exacerbate their issues even further. With Dear Diary, not only is our team reflective of the community we serve, but we have also taken into consideration all of the needs and challenges that our community faces. Using our algorithm to match members within smaller, curated groups provides a personalized approach that ensures that each member receives support that is specifically tailored to enhance their personal and professional development. We have also integrated principles proven to cultivate wealth and success (inspired by the Jewish community's success frameworks) directly into our programming. This includes professional and entrepreneurial skill development, financial literacy, verbal confidence, and psychological resilience so that our members can pave their own path. Lastly, by blending a robust digital platform with strategic in-person events, we offer flexibility and broad access while maintaining the community's tangible sense of connection and support. This hybrid model allows us to scale significantly without losing the personal touch that fosters deep relationships and trust among members. 

We believe our innovative model serves as a blueprint for others in the economic development and community-building space. By demonstrating the effectiveness of our personalized community support system and integrated development approach, we can inspire similar initiatives. Organizations looking to empower marginalized communities can adopt our framework adjusting the cultural and contextual elements to fit their target demographics. 

Dear Diary has the potential to shift the market in several ways: 

1. Economic Participation: By increasing the number of Black women in entrepreneurial and high-paying professional roles, we enrich the entire ecosystem. Greater diversity leads to more innovation and can influence broader corporate and entrepreneurial cultures and policies. 

2. Wealth Creation: As more Black women build wealth, we can began to close the economic divide. This shift can lead to more investment within Black communities promoting a cycle of prosperity reducing poverty and it's impacts on communities individually as well of local and national economies. 

3. Empowerment Precedent: Setting a precedent for how targeted, culturally sensitive empowerment programs can be structured, our solution encourages more tailored approaches in other empowerment initiatives. We understand the vastness of what we seek to solve and know that it will take a collective effort of diverse solutions. We can serve as a model to move us forward. 

Black women are the pillars within the Black community. They are typically the caretakers, single mothers, and the breadwinners. Our solution is founded on the objective to advance Black girls and women through targeted economic education, professional development, and a supportive community network to tackle systemic economic disparities. Our approach integrates several key activities, including personalized community matching to form small, supportive groups, comprehensive developmental programs, as well as a hybrid model of delivery. We also emphasize the importance of feedback and continuous improvement through regular collection of member input to refine and adapt our offerings. 

The immediate outputs of these activities include: 

- Increased skill acquisition among members who gain practical knowledge and competencies in crucial areas such as financial management,

-Enhanced networking opportunities enabling members to build robust connections with peers, mentors, and potential business partners,

-Increased sense of community and connection which will strengthen our members ability to advance individual and collectively,

-Cultural relevant workshops, mentorship programs, and community events to cultivate active participation and actionable steps. 

These outputs lead to short-term outcomes such as improved financial behaviors, with members demonstrating better saving and investing practices, and increased professional opportunities, with higher employment rates and business start-ups reported among our community. Additionally, stronger community ties are cultivated contributing to members' mental well-being and resilience. 

Over the long term, these outcomes are expected to culminate in significant wealth generation for members. This will reduce the effects of poverty within the Black community including but not limited to crime, unemployment, urban decay, education, and poor public health. Statistics say that many people born into poverty have little hope of overcoming it. This is a discouraging reality for many people in the Black community and must be reversed immediately. It is also stated that Black advancement is inextricably linked with Black self determination. It is imperative that we save the collective of Black individuals by cultivating Black women. Their economic improvements will have a ripple effect in enhancing the economic stability of entire communities. 

We have worked directly with our community members to find out what they are missing and have lived experience in reversing the course for Black women. The research however is limited as much of the research highlights overcoming current systemic barriers as opposed to creating our own solutions. We do not seek to reverse current systemic oppression. It is too large and convoluted of a task and will cause is to lose generations after generations of individuals within our communities. Instead, we are taking matter into our own hands, creating our own solutions using frameworks that other communities have used successfully, while making them culturally relevant to our members.  

1. Reach 10,000 members and secure a $10 million operating budget to ensure high-quality services. We monitor our membership growth through our digital platform's analytics and can track their engagement in our services. We track our budget milestones internally through our financial management systems. 

2. 50% of our members earn six figures or more. We will use annual surveys and a secure income verification process to track members' earnings. 

3. 50% of our entrepreneurial members will own businesses that sustain for more than 5 years with increased profit annually. We will collect yearly business performance data through self-reported measures. 

4. 75% of our youth members will receive a college degree, certification, or some form of continued education. We will track our educational outcomes through direct feedback, academic records, and follow-up surveys with members. 

5. Establish Dear Diary as the go to network for the advancement of Black women and gain national recognition as a pivotal organization for change. We will measure recognition through media mentions, referrals, partnerships with other organizations, demand, and feedback from community leaders. We will also track engagement metrics on our public communications channels to monitor our influence and reach.

Our core technology comprises a branded app that integrates seamlessly across web, Android, and Apple devices, powered by the MightyNetworks engine. 

We have 5 full-time staff members and are currently in the process of hiring 3 more full-time staff. 

We are in year 6. 

For us at Dear Diary, diversity, equity, and inclusion is who were are! Our team directly reflects the community that we serve and goes beyond a statement. These types of questions are always difficult for us to answer because often times, DEI statements are just words and don't truly cover the essence of who we are and what we need as Black members of society. Moreover, these statements are just statements and aren't practiced by the people who have written them. Even more than that, in today's climate where companies are being sued for DEI statements, many are removing these statements completely and erasing the small progression we've made. At Dear Diary, we cannot erase who we are and refuse to just be the words. We are also the action behind those words, creating a work environment that is vastly different from any environment any of us have ever worked in. Our team is intentionally composed of members who align with our organizational goals and values, but that also put Black women and people at the table in leadership positions. We operate on a collaborative model where all team members have the opportunity to lead projects and contribute to decision-making ensuring that each voice is heard and valued.

Our current team includes four women and one man, all of whom identify as Black. This composition underscores our commitment to serving our target community through lived experiences and perspectives. As we expand, we maintain a commitment to further diversifying our team in terms of gender, cultural background, and professional experience. We are currently reviewing over 300 applications for additional roles. 

We are also proactive in creating work environments that support our staff's wellbeing and professional growth. Our key policies include: 

-Wages and Benefits: We ensure that all team members receive a livable salary and comprehensive health benefits. 

-Rest and Recharge Breaks: Recognizing the intensity of our work, we mandate four weeks of paid vacation annually, during which we close the company to prevent burnout. 

-Extended Leave Policies: We offer six months of paid parental leave and 45 days of paid miscarriage leave, acknowledging the needs of our team members during significant life events. 

-Professional Development: Each team member is encouraged to draft their own evaluation and propose their promotion packages annually, fostering a sense of ownership and personal investment in our collective success. 

Remote Work Environment: Our 100% remote setup reduces overhead costs and allows our team members the flexibility to work effectively from any location. Additionally, as women are typically caregivers, it allows our team members the opportunity to care for their families without repercussions from work. 

Our business model is structured to provide significant value to our members, while also ensuring the sustainability and growth of our operations. Our products and services include: 

-Access to a Robust Mobile App and Website: Our members are provided a user-friendly platform for social networking, mentorship opportunities, and event participation.

-Curated Content and Resources: We deliver specialized content aimed at fostering economic empowerment and professional growth, including but not limited to workshops, jobs, and financial resources. 

-Events and Experiences: We organize virtual and in-person events to strengthen bonds within the community and provide tangible growth and networking opportunities.

-Branded Merchandise: To enhance our community's sense of identity and belonging, we offer merchandise that resonates with our members' experiences and aspirations. 

Members are drawn to our platform for its unique value propositions: 

-Advancement and Personal Growth: Our platform enables members to fully explore and enhance their potential offering support systems through a blend of digital and physical experiences.

-Community and Network: Through personal and professional development programs our members gain access to a supportive community that nurtures growth and opportunity.

To deliver our services, we have established key partnerships with educational and support organizations, influencers, businesses, and governmental organizations who share our vision. These collaboration ensure that we have the expertise and support to provide high-quality, inclusive services. 

Revenue to sustain and grow our operations comes from multiple streams: 

-Subscription Model: Members pay a monthly or annual fee for access to the Dear Diary platform. Our membership fee starts at $19/month or $200/annually up to $49/month or $500/annually. As our community continues to grow, the fee will increase up to the $49/month price. 

-Events: We generate additional revenue from specialized in-person events. Those that are open to the public are discounted for our members. 

-Data Sharing and Community Access: We generate revenue by sharing data from our community and community access via ads, workshops, and webinars, from interested parties and companies that would like to partner with our community.

-Merchandise Sales: Our branded products provide an additional income stream while promoting brand loyalty and visibility. 

-Donations and Grants: We actively seek funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations that support our mission. 

Our cost structure accounts for the development and maintenance of our digital platform, marketing efforts, event logistics, merchandise production, and operational expenses. By balancing these costs with our diversified revenue streams, we ensure Dear Diary's financial sustainability. 

Currently, we have secured a $610,000 grant from the State of Wisconsin, and an annual $100,000 from TruStage. We also have over $15 million worth of grant applications pending at this time. We will host two active fundraisers this year with goals of raising $500,000 in each of them. While this is true, we the bulk of our expenses will be covered as we grow the membership by paying members. We would rather rely on this model because it keep us from having to raise or acquire money from external sources. Ultimately, Dear Diary's business model is designed to create a self-reinforcing cycle where members' lives fuels the community's growth, which in turn attracts more members and funding allowing us to enhance and expand our offerings.