Pay It Forward Pulse - February Newsletter

February 2025

Honoring Black Excellence & Empowerment

Happy Black History Month from the Pay It Forward Networking Group (PIFNG)! This February, we celebrate the achievements, resilience, and impact of Black leaders past and present. At PIFNG, we honor this legacy by continuing to empower women of color through leadership, networking, and professional development.

Together, we carry forward the mission of economic empowerment, community leadership, and breaking barriers for the next generation.

The State of Black History & DEI: Where Do We Go from Here?

In recent years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have come under attack, with many companies scaling back or eliminating their DEI initiatives. These shifts have left many professionals, particularly those from marginalized communities, questioning their place in corporate spaces and what the future holds for Black representation in leadership, hiring, and funding opportunities.

💡 So, how can we keep Black History alive beyond February?

🔥 Support Black-Owned Businesses & Organizations Invest in companies and nonprofits that uplift Black communities year-round. 🛍️🤝🏾

📢 Advocate for DEI Initiatives in Your Workplace Push for accountability and continued commitment to representation and equity. 💼⚖️

🤝🏾 Engage in Black-Led Professional Networks Stay connected and create opportunities for career growth within supportive spaces. 🌍🚀

📚 Expand Your Knowledge of Black History There are so many trailblazers beyond the well-known figures—take time to learn about the pioneers whose contributions have shaped our world. ✊🏾🖤

Hidden Figures of Black Excellence: Trailblazers You Should Know

📌 Anna Julia Cooper – An early Black feminist and educator, Cooper paved the way for Black women in academia and was one of the first to earn a Ph.D.

📌 Marsha P. Johnson – A Black trans activist and LGBTQ+ rights leader, Johnson was at the forefront of the Stonewall Uprising, yet her role in civil rights is rarely discussed.

📌 Claudette Colvin – Before Rosa Parks, 15-year-old Claudette Colvin refused to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama. Her courage set the stage for later protests.

📌 Bayard Rustin – A critical figure in the Civil Rights Movement, Rustin organized the 1963 March on Washington but was often left out of history books due to his identity as an openly gay man.

📌 Dr. Gladys West – The mathematician behind GPS technology, yet most people have never heard of her. Without her work, Google Maps, Waze, and modern navigation wouldn’t exist.

✨ Black history is American history—365 days a year. Let’s commit to keeping these conversations alive beyond February!

Our Impact: 2024 Highlights & Black Excellence in Action

PIFNG remains committed to amplifying the voices and accomplishments of Black professionals and changemakers. Here are some of the powerful moments from last year that set the stage for an even bigger 2025:

✨ Wake Up Wilmington – Engaging networking collab bringing professionals together, Hosted by Haneef Salaam.

✨ Giving Tuesday Fundraiser – Secured vital support for our mission and programs.

✨ Strategic Planning Training – Led by Vaidra Johnson, aligning our long-term vision.

✨ Board Member Development – Investing in leadership growth through grant courses at Delaware Tech.

✨ Volunteer Committee Growth – Strengthening our impact with dedicated members.

✨ Marketing & Communications Training – Hosted by Malcolm Coley to enhance outreach.

✨ Organizational Training at the Route 9 Library and Innovation Center Hosted by Ms. Kim GrahamMs. Kim Graham, fostering collaboration.

Black excellence is not just history—it’s happening now. Thank you to everyone who contributed to PIFNG’s mission of empowerment and progress!

Empowering the Next Generation: Internship Opportunity

We’re seeking teen interns to work alongside our Marketing and Communications Chair, Nadiah Lacy. Interns will gain hands-on experience in:

✅ Content management & engagement

✅ Using ChatGPT & Canva for marketing

✅ Creating & scheduling social media posts

✅ Leadership & development training

📩 Know a teen who would be a great fit? Encourage them to apply today!

🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/6sEDAKQV982PXjWb8

Save the Date

Save the Date for the Do More 24 2025 Fundraiser!

March 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM to March 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM

This year, we aim to raise $5,000 to support our Empower & Elevate Professional Development Program. Your contributions will directly impact women of color by funding leadership development, training sessions, and networking opportunities. Stay tuned for more details, and let’s make this our most impactful campaign yet!

Save the Date!

Local Events Hub Celebrate Black Excellence!

📢 Have an event you’d like us to promote? Submit your event to our Local Events Hub, and we’ll help spread the word across our platforms.

🔗 Submit your event here: Local Events Hub — PIFN Group

Pay It Forward Empowerment Network

The Pay It Forward Empowerment Network (formerly The Sister Circle) remains a safe space for connection, growth, and support.

👥 Join our Facebook group and stay engaged!

🔗 Join here

We’re Expanding! Job & Volunteer Opportunities

PIFNG is looking for passionate individuals to join our team! If you’re eager to make an impact, consider applying for one of our open roles:

Leadership Positions:

📌 Vice President

📌 Secretary

📌 Treasurer

📌 Assistant Secretary

Interested in a Board of Director position? Please fill out the PIFNG Board of Director Inquiry Form.

Non-Leadership Roles:

📌 Board Member

📌 Volunteers

🔗 Interested? Visit the “Get Involved” tab on our website or email us at volunteer@pifngroup.com.

Call to Action – How You Can Help This Month!

✅ Mark your calendar for Do More 24 and be ready to support.

✅ Share our internship opportunity with teens in your network.

✅ Submit your event to the Local Events Hub to celebrate Black excellence.

✅ Explore & share our updated Our Impact section on our website.

Thank You for Paying It Forward!

Black History is more than a month—it’s a movement. Thank you for being part of our growing community of empowered change-makers. Together, we will continue to uplift, inspire, and lead in 2025 and beyond.

🔗 Website: www.pifngroup.com

📧 Contact Us: info@pifngroup.com

Let’s Pay It Forward and make a difference—one connection at a time!

- The PIFNG Team