Two years ago, Black women became the leaders of the "Great Resignation," but we've always been the queens of the "Great Change-Up." Whether it's building careers that allow us to prioritize family, moving on to something that we're more passionate about, being forced by a termination, discrimination, or layoffs, or going where the money flows more abundantly, we've been at the forefront of embracing the career change.
According to research, women are changing careers at higher rates than men, shifting jobs, or going for a whole new work experience. There's even indication, according to reports, that now is an ideal time for a career change, especially for Black women. And while there's still work to be done when it comes to pay equity and other work-related challenges, the uptick in the labor market has apparently presented opportunities for better-paying jobs and more career options that can usher in new hope after years of post-pandemic hardship.
Get inspired by these women who have inspiring stories of changing careers and thriving in their respective industries to find fun, fulfillment, and success:
Jenee Naylor: From Retail to Full-Time Fashion Content Creator
Naylor worked in retail, landing a gig in leadership at Target before going full-time as a content creator and fashion influencer. Through her YouTube channel filled with style inspiration, lookbooks, and fab Fashion Week experiences, as well as other content catering to all the women who aspire to embrace luxury fashion on their own terms, she's amassed a combined online following of more than 900,000.
"I was so committed to my career and just knew deep down that I would make it to the C-suite level. However, when I started my content creation journey, it became difficult to give both Target and my own brand 100%," she told Ebony. "There came a point where I had to choose one because I couldn’t equally excel at both. It’s always interesting and exciting when your passion takes a natural progression and starts to take on a mind of its own."
Ava DuVernay: From Journalism and PR to Filmmaker
Before becoming the award-winning first Black woman to direct a $100 million film, she was a broadcast journalism intern, junior publicist, and PR agency founder. She made a shift to filmmaking at 32. "I kept my publicity job while making my first three films. I knew that as a Black woman in this industry, I wouldn’t have people knocking down my door to give me money for my projects, so I was happy to make them on the side while working my day job," she told Elle in 2018. She didn't officially get behind the camera to create until 2010's I Will Follow, and has gone on to be a powerhouse behind films including Selma, A Wrinkle In Time, When They See Us, and Queen Sugar.
“I was sober about the industry that I was getting into and what my place was in it. There was really no place," she told CBS News in a 2022 interview. "For me, it allowed me to be risky. People say brave, but it wasn’t brave. It was kind of like, you know what, they’re probably going to kick me out of movies anyway, so why don’t I just go for it and say what I want to say?”
Michelle Obama: From Law to Former U.S. First Lady to Best-Selling Author
Known as the "Forever First Lady" by many, Michelle Obama has staked her claim as a pioneer and the powerhouse better half of our first Black president. But before her husband would win the P.O.T.U.S. seat, she practiced intellectual property law and ended up looking, according to reports, for a way to dig deeper into community involvement. In 1991, she took a job as assistant to the then-mayor of Chicago, Richard Daley, and then held several prominent public service positions in the city. She also worked in education, advocating for the leadership and advancement of young adults, before going full-time into political campaigning during Barack Obama's first successful run for president. She's since remained involved in advocating for communities (via speaking engagements, partnerships, and philanthropic work), hosted "The Michelle Obama Podcast," wrote best-selling books, and co-founded Higher Ground Productions, which is behind Netflix hits including "Becoming," "Rustin," "Working: What We Do All Day," and "Fatherhood."
“For me, becoming isn't about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn't end,” she wrote in Becoming.
La La Anthony: From MTV VJ to Actress
If you're familiar with the heyday of MTV VJs, then you know Alani "La La" Anthony was among the forerunners in media, hosting hit radio and T.V. shows since the '90s and into the early 2000s. Later, she'd shift focus, appearing in now-cult classics like Two Can Play That Game and You Got Game.
Since then, she's enjoyed major success in Hollywood, starring in Power, the Think Like A Man franchise, The Chi, BMF, and many more T.V. and film hits. “To this day, with my acting career, you’ll still have people who are like, ‘Oh, that’s La La from MTV,' " she said in a 2020 Essence interview. "And it’s like, well, that was a huge part of my life, but I’ve evolved since then. I’ve moved on since then. I’ve worked really hard, but sometimes I feel like because I was known for something else, I have to prove myself in these new spaces even more than the next person.”
Courtney Adeleye: From RN to Obali Founder
Adeleye was a registered nurse who saw a gap in the haircare market and decided to fill it. She launched The Mane Choice in 2013, a brand that would later land in Target, CVS, Walmart, and other stores, earning the company millions. MAV Brands acquired the company in 2019, and Adeleye entered into her next super-successful career transition as CEO and founder of Obali, a direct-selling umbrella company offering wellness, haircare, fashion, and feminine care products.
"We can all agree that no matter what your age, there's experience there that's going to give you the jump on entrepreneurship or innovation. And I have to continue doing that, to continue innovating, she told xoNecole.
Tiffany Aliche: From Preschool Teacher to The Budgetnista
Aliche was a preschool teacher when the financial fallout after a layoff prompted her to use her own journey to financial freedom to empower others. Her financial literacy platform, via books, events, speaking engagements, and her podcast, Brown Ambition, has helped millions of women get out of debt, meet their savings goals, become homeowners, and shift their thinking about wealth building. She's also advocated for financial literacy education in schools, successfully working with New Jersey legislators to pass a law requiring coursework for middle school children to learn the fundamentals of managing finances.
"I lost everything — my job, my income, my home. And it was so traumatic for me that I said, “I’m never, ever, ever going back there," Aliche said in an interview with The Cut. "Now I own my job, so I don’t worry about that."
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There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
Ananda Lewis Clarifies Why She Didn't Get A Mastectomy & Says She's Doing 'Better' After Stage IV Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis received a lot of backlash from online critics after sharing she decided to forgo a double mastectomy. But there's more to the story.
Ananda was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2019, and during a recent round table discussion with CNN's Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner, she revealed that she decided not to get a double mastectomy and, now, she has stage IV cancer.
Following that interview, she clarified why she did not get the surgery. “The circumstances were not conducive to surgery because my tumor wasn’t aggressively growing at the time, and then COVID hit,” Ananda told The Epoch Times.
She opted for a cryoablation treatment instead, which uses extreme cold to destroy the cancer cells.
Another thing the 51-year-old wanted to clarify was whether she was dying. She said she is not. “Nothing happened. Today, I am fantastic. I may have felt like I was dying in February, but I’m not dying, and I’m definitely doing better than I was last October,” she said.
She is focused on taking care of herself and getting a "good 20 more years out of this body." She follows a keto diet and avoids alcohol, white flour and white sugar.
During the CNN roundtable discussion, the mother of one shared that she had an integrative approach to her treatment, which included traditional medicine and homeopathy methods such as red light therapy.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” she said.
“I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” she continued. “Looking back on that, I go, ‘You know what? Maybe I should have.’
Ananda also admitted that she wasn't prioritizing early detection, such as getting mammograms. The former talk show host's mom also had breast cancer and chose to go the conventional route, which influenced her to go a non-traditional route.
As a content creator, Ananda uses her social media to inform others on the things she's learned about obtaining good health such as toxic items to through out of your pantry and the many benefits of water.
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