Adrienne Graham: Empowering Women for Success!

By Miss Rikki

Born in Bronx, New York to an African American dad and a Latina mom, a veteran in the recruiting game, a networking expert, author, blogtalk radio host and founder and CEO of Empower Me! Corporation – Adrienne Graham says she’s just getting started!   Can you believe this SistaGirl!

A little over seventeen years ago when she started in recruiting she had no idea she would be where she is today.  After working for a firm for a while, she decided to branch out on her own.  At first she was met with resistance from other women in the same field, but with perseverance, a little help, and the internet she started her own recruiting firm and began the building of her empire. 

In 1998 she added to that empire with Empower Me! Corporation.  Born out of her frustration at the lack of women of color serving on boards of organizations, Empower Me! is a media, publishing, and professional networking company for women.  It includes several networks: Empowered Career Woman, Empowered Black Women’s Network, Empower Me Latina’s Network, and Fearless Networking for Women.   Currently she has a radio show called “Views from the Top” on blogtalkradio, which is a forum for women to discuss the ups and downs of working and being successful in corporate America.  Ms. Graham also wrote and self-published Go Ahead, Talk To Strangers: The Modern Girl’s Guide to Fearless Networking.  FYI, I purchased and read the book and I absolutely loved it!  I am the type to keep to myself and my circle of friends, but after reading the book I realized I was doing myself a disservice.  In order to reach the kind of success I want I needed to get out in the world and not only find people that could help me, but also offer my knowledge and expertise to others.  Doing this has already helped me to meet so many valuable new people and learn more about the people who were already around me.  I highly recommend it! 

Now back to Ms. Graham… 

In the future she is looking to expanding her brand.  In January 2010 she is starting “Fearless Woman Magazine.“  She says there is not much out there in the way of professional magazines for women of color, and when there is it doesn’t last very long.  She wants to show the world that there are more successful women of color powerbrokers out there besides Oprah and Tyra Banks.

And SistaGirlz, I did manage to get some advice for you- free of charge- from this knowledgeable lady.  First, Ms. Graham says to remember that not everyone is meant to have the same career forever.  Be open to change and if you decide you want to do something else take action.  Also, boost your skills and continue your education.  Take the time to figure out what skills you have and which of those skills you can use anywhere.  In her opinion, they are all transferrable.  And if you are lacking in a certain skill set, seek out ways you can gain those skills.  As well, you should find a mentor in your chosen career field and don’t be afraid to ask them for advice.  That’s what they’re there for.  As far as networking, don’t rely solely on social networking sites.  Get out there and meet people.  Let them get to know you and see what you can do.  Lastly, ignore the economic down turn.  Continue to strive for success regardless of what the economy is doing.   

I cannot possibly fully explain all the wonderful things this SistaGirl is doing.  So, if you dare to try to keep up with Adrienne Graham, you can check her out at the Empower Me! website, and also take a listen at her blogtalkradio show “Views from the Top” Monday and Friday 9am EST.