Experts agree that the workforce is experiencing a radical change as millennials become the largest generation in today’s workforce. Their energy and innovation are welcomed but they realize that to continue an upward mobility and refine their professional leadership skills, mentoring is needed. Although mentoring is a professional development need that touches all genders and races, a significant void has been identified among minority females. Many have shared a difficulty finding minority female mentors. A shortage of black women in leadership roles, especially in tech, is deeply felt by minority female millennials entering the workforce and preparing for career success.

As African American women, we recognize that there are many reasons for this void, so this article is about filling the need and providing a solution. One solution is to fill this mentorship gap with a digital foundation. The founders of Geenie have developed GeenieBox to connect successful women with women seeking mentors with a goal of creating a motivational network of support.

Research shows that it’s a powerful, motivational force to be able to see and learn from others who look like you and have experienced similar life challenges. For example, Shaunah Zimmerman, co-founder of Women Who Create, a community platform dedicated to fostering mentorship opportunities for women of color in the advertising industry, has stated that “If you can't see other successful women who look like you, it's harder to relate and design a path of your own.”

Geenie is the self-development platform empowering today’s ambitious black woman. Through curated products and exclusive experiences, Geenie is the gateway to inspiring ideas, lifestyle goodies, online articles, and videos, in addition to magical connections that drive personal growth and fulfillment. Our signature product, GeenieBox is a monthly round-up of an iconic woman's favorite things. Each box is a thoughtful, curated slice of a successful woman's story featuring advice and products that will surprise, encourage and inspire month after month.

Geenie founders hope that each GeenieBox and Geenie experience will inspire women to design their own path to success with a little bit of guidance and inspiration. GeenieBox takes the “mentor in my head” concept and brings it into a reality where each woman can take a role in putting the success strategies in action.

Inspired by the class and leadership tips of the former first lady, Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey's popular ''favorite things” segment, GeenieBox shares the stories, creations and product picks of successful women who have inspirational stories to share”, stated Chana, co-founder, and CEO of Geenie.

Chana explains that the Geenie Community is a perfect solution for women who…

• sees another woman's success as a learning opportunity

• seeks out and supports a #BlackWomanOwned business

• places a premium on knowledge and experiences

• devours a good book

Like many success stories which have impacted masses, the founders of Geenie saw their products influence expand and evolve in unexpected ways. They found that their mission to create a mentoring network also has resulted in promoting philanthropy among minority females. GeenieBox is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving. From each gift subscription, a donation is provided to a social impact initiative that advances women and girls.

Last month's Featured Geenie is Former Destiny’s Child Member, Michelle Williams.

Chana adds, “Michelle Williams, is the epitome of a woman who does not believe in failure or giving up. She has successfully navigated a megawatt singing career, personal setbacks, and building success as an entrepreneur. She is an excellent choice for our graduation/moving up themed gift box.”

The beautiful and talented Michelle Williams has evolved many times in her life and she is nowhere near done. She’s added Broadway actress, entrepreneur, designer, television host, and inspirational speaker to her already robust resumé, and as she enters the second act of her already prolific career, there is so much more to come. Since her days of making hit after hit as a member of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling female groups of all time, to a solo artist with four critically acclaimed albums Williams has grown professionally and personally.

“I am honored to be a "Geenie" and curate the graduation edition, says Michelle Williams. April represents a time to celebrate recent college graduates and women graduating to their next big moment. My journey is about "believing bigger," and I'm happy to share my friend Marshawn's book and products from my Believe by Michelle collection with women who strive to live their biggest lives.”

With a theme of spring as a time of renewal and growth, the April GeenieBox featured Marshawn Evans Daniels’ new book, Believe Bigger: Discover the Path to Your Life's Purpose, along with three surprise lifestyle products selected by Michelle Williams.

The new, May box is dedicated to Mom Mentorship.

To learn more about Geenie and subscribe to the GeenieBox Club visit www. geeniebox.com.

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